February 2012

The LOWER THAMES VALLEY CONSERVATION AUTHORITY monitors weather information, river flows, snow pack and ice conditions in order to predict when floods will occur and how high the water may rise. When flooding is possible, or about to occur, the LOWER THAMES VALLEY CONSERVATION AUTHORITY issues flood messages to municipal emergency management officials and the media.

As a result of a review of flood message terminology, LOWER THAMES VALLEY CONSERVATION AUTHORITY and Conservation Authorities across the province are introducing some changes effective February 2012. These changes will ensure that Conservation Authorities use consistent terminology in line with that used by other agencies such as the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, Environment Canada and the Weather Network.

Types of messages

The LOWER THAMES VALLEY CONSERVATION AUTHORITY issues four types of messages, depending on conditions:

Normal
Watershed Conditions Statement (with two variations: “Water Safety” and “Flood Outlook”)
Flood Watch
Flood Warning

	Normal: No flood conditions exist
	Watershed Conditions Statement - Water Safety High flows, unsafe banks, melting ice or other factors that 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 – Flooding is possible in specific watercourses or municipalities. Municipalities, emergency services and individual landowners in flood-prone areas should prepare.
	Flood Warning – Flooding is imminent or already occurring in specific watercourses or municipalities.

Statements may be issued to some or all of the following:

Municipal Flood Coordinators
Neighbouring Conservation Authorities
Ministry of Natural Resources Flood Forecasting Centre
Local Police and Fire Departments

During a flood event, media releases are written based on the flood statements and sent to watershed media outlets.

Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority
100 Thames Street, Chatham, Ontario Canada N7L 2Y8
Tel:519-354-7310 Fax:519-352-3435