Credit Valley Conservation (CVC) is reminding residents of the dangers that exist near rivers, streams, ponds and lakes due to high intensity thunderstorms. Thunderstorms can develop suddenly during the warmer months and are often accompanied by strong winds, hail, lightning and heavy rain.
River flooding occurs when rivers and streams rise over their banks and spill into the surrounding land. With high intensity summer thunderstorms, the Credit River, its tributaries and other small creeks in CVC’s jurisdiction can receive large amounts of precipitation over a short period of time, causing water levels to rise with little warning. This type of flooding is more common in urban areas.
Residents should be aware that flooding can occur very quickly with passing thunderstorms.
Summer Safety Tips – River Flooding
- Stay away from riverbanks and avoid recreational activities in watercourses during storm events, especially thunderstorms.
- Do not drive through, stand, or walk in any moving water. Avoid low-lying areas such as road underpasses and walkways.
- Stay informed on storm events such as thunderstorms through local radio, television, mobile, or other public alerting systems.
- If you are instructed by emergency officials to evacuate due to flooding, do so immediately.
- Know who to contact during a flood emergency.
- If you are in danger, call 911 immediately.
- Stay informed with the Alertable app. Alertable is a Canadian public emergency alert system that offers CVC flood alerts in real-time, right to your mobile device. It’s free via the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.
- CVC continues to monitor the Credit River Watershed for potential flooding through the Flood Forecasting and Warning Program.
For more information visit cvc.ca/flood.
Credit Valley Conservation (CVC) is a local conservation authority established by the Ontario government in 1954 to protect, restore and enhance the natural environment of the Credit River watershed. That watershed is the area of land where all rainfall, snowmelt and runoff drains (“sheds”) into lands and waters flowing into the Credit River. CVC creates connections between people and nature, knowledge and action. It inspires a deep appreciation for the role of nature in keeping people connected, healthy and happy. CVC is a member of Conservation Ontario.
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