Both the Catfish Creek and Kettle Creek Conservation Authority have issued Flood Watches for their entire watersheds as a low-pressure system is expected to bring significant rainfall to the area.
Residents in Elgin County, specifically Port Stanley and low-lying areas in Belmont and St. Thomas are encouraged to prepare for flooding and monitor local conditions.
“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. The timing and extent of flooding will depend on the amount of rain we receive Monday night and into Tuesday and how the remainder of the ice breaks up in Port Stanley,” says Jennifer Dow, Water Conservation Supervisor for Kettle Creek Conservation Authority. “Residents are advised to monitor local conditions and take appropriate precautions.”
The public is encouraged to exercise caution near open bodies of water, and to keep children away from waterways during Flood Watches and other times of high water flow.
