CATFISH CREEK CONSERVATION AUTHORITY
FLOOD WATCH

For Immediate Release
Flood Watch for Residents of Catfish Creek Watershed
Issued on December 30, 2022 at 7:30 a.m.
Issued by: Peter Dragunas, Water Management Technician
Catfish Creek Conservation Authority
(519) 773-9037

The Water Safety, Watershed Conditions Statement issued on December 27, 2022 at 1:30 p.m. has been upgraded to a Flood Watch.

This Flood Watch is to notify Catfish Creek Conservation Authority Member Municipalities, Emergency Services staff and individual landowners that due to the precipitation and rise in temperatures forecast, combined with any remaining snow pack the water level is expected to increase.  This is an assessment that a probability exists for flooding of low-lying flood prone areas within the watershed.

 Effective immediately, the Catfish Creek Conservation Authority is upgrading the December 27^th Watershed Condition Statement to a Flood Watch for low-lying flood prone areas within the watershed.  Due to forecast weather conditions (increase in temperature and rain) coupled with the remaining snow pack, there is a potential for flooding to occur in flood prone areas of the watershed.

The adverse weather conditions coupled with the deteriorating ice conditions on the Catfish Creek and its tributaries indicate that potentially hazardous circumstances exist; primary concerns are increasing water levels, intensifying water flows and possible ice obstructions to riverine ice transport.   HIGH water flows result in unsafe channel bank conditions and other unpredictable dangers around waterways, adjacent fields and parkland, urban storm drains, small streams, creeks, or other hazardous areas.

The public is encouraged to exercise caution near open bodies of water, and to stay away from waterways during Flood Watches and other times of high water flow.

Residents are asked to watch local conditions closely and take appropriate responsible action.  Updates will be made available if conditions warrant.

This Flood Watch Statement will remain in effect until otherwise notified and will be adjusted accordingly if warranted.