For Immediate Release
Flood Watch for Residents of Catfish Creek Watershed
Issued on February 16, 2022 at 10:00 a.m.
Issued by: Peter Dragunas, Water Management Technician
Catfish Creek Conservation Authority
(519) 773-9037

The Water Safety, Watershed Conditions Statement issued on February 15, 2022 at 11:30 a.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 weather forecast and existing snow conditions the water level conditions will increase.  This is an assessment that a high probability exists for flooding of low-lying flood prone areas within the watershed.

Effective immediately, the Catfish Creek Conservation Authority is upgrading the February 15^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 existing 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 situation on the Catfish Creek and its tributaries, indicate that potentially hazardous circumstances exist; primary concerns are increasing water levels, intensifying water flows and 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 keep children 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.