With another system packing significant rain set to move across southwestern Ontario Tuesday, the Kettle Creek Conservation Authority has issued a flood watch.
Up to 25 mm of rain is expected to fall throughout the day, according to Environment Canada. That coupled with the mild, snow melting temperatures will elevate already high water levels.
Residents in Port Stanley and low-lying areas in Belmont and St. Thomas are being told to prepare for flooding.
“Last week’s thaw and high-water event helped to clear out a lot of ice from the upper reaches of the watershed. However, there remains a significant ice jam in Port Stanley that is currently located at the lift bridge, with ice cover extending out to the outer harbour,” said Jennifer Dow, the conservation authority’s water conservation supervisor. “Residents are advised to monitor local conditions and take appropriate precautions.”
She added that the extent of the flooding will depend on the amount of rain that falls Tuesday and how the ice breaks up in Port Stanley.
While the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) is bracing for elevated water levels, it does not anticipate any significant flooding. According to the UTRCA, flood control reservoirs at Fanshawe, Wildwood, and Pittock conservation areas are currently at seasonal levels and will be operated to reduce any flooding downstream.
Both conservation authorities are advising residents to stay away from waterways as they will be cold and fast-moving. Banks of rivers and creeks are very slippery posing a serious hazard. People are also advised to stay off of the ice as it has been weakened and become unstable because of the winter warm up.
