News Release
For immediate release
St. Thomas – Environment Canada is monitoring a significant low pressure system that will bring gusty winds to the Lower Great Lakes Region beginning Saturday evening and extending well into Monday.
“Port Stanley is especially vulnerable to winds over 50km/hr from the southwest, which means with the current forecast, there is a higher potential for flooding and erosion along the shoreline.”
Environment Canada’s Marine Forecast has issued a Gale Warning for all of Lake Erie. Areas along the Lake Erie shoreline will see strong, gusty winds from the south and southeast ranging from 35-55km/hr Saturday afternoon and evening, with gusting winds between 50-70 km/hr overnight. The wind direction will change early Sunday morning, with winds coming from the south before building in strength by noon with sustained wind speeds between 75-85km/hr and gusts at 100km/hr from the southwest.
“As the system continues its path through the province Sunday, winds will shift from the south/southeast to south/southwest, before diminishing Monday morning,” says Jennifer Dow, KCCA’s water conservation supervisor.
Storm surge can cause shoreline erosion, and damage to shoreline structures due to damaging waves and localized flooding. Based on the current forecast, minor flood uprush activity could impact low lying areas along the Lake Erie shoreline. Residents are urged to monitor their local conditions and take appropriate action should conditions change.
Residents should take extra caution to avoid areas where flooding is occurring as well as creeks, streams and shoreline areas during significant rainfall and wind events. The combination of slippery banks, waves, waves overtopping shoreline structures, and fast moving water can be dangerous. Standing water can also present its own unseen hazards. Children and pets should be kept away from flowing or standing water as well as shoreline areas. Banks can be very slippery and unstable, and creeks can be fast flowing and very cold.
KCCA staff will continue to monitor conditions and provide updates as warranted. This Lake Erie Shoreline—Flood Watch will remain in effect until Monday, November 16 at 4:30PM. For further updates, log on to www.kettlecreekconservation.on.ca or connect with Kettle Creek Conservation Authority socially on Facebook and Twitter @KettleCreekCA.
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Marianne Levogiannis
Public Relations Supervisor
519-631-1270 x224
The Kettle Creek Conservation Authority issues three levels of messages:
Watershed Conditions Statement (Previously High Water Safety Bulletin): a general notice of weather conditions that could pose a risk to personal safety or which have the potential to lead to flooding. There are two variations of these:
Watershed Conditions Statement – Water Safety: High flows, unsafe banks, melting ice or other factors could be dangerous for recreational users such as anglers, canoeists, hikers, children, pets, etc. Flooding is not expected
Watershed Conditions Statement – Flood Outlook: Early notice of the potential for flooding based on weather forecasts calling for heavy rain, snow melt, high wind or other conditions that could lead to high runoff, cause ice jams, lakeshore flooding or erosion.
Flood Watch (Previously Flood Advisory): Flooding is possible in specific watercourses or municipalities. Municipalities, emergency services and individual landowners in flood-prone areas should prepare.
Flood Warning (No change): Flooding is imminent or already occurring in specific watercourses or municipalities. Municipalities and individuals should take action to deal with flood conditions. This may include road closures and evacuations.