July 3, 2024, MISSISSAUGA – 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. As we move into summer, we will experience more days where severe thunderstorms can develop, which can cause flooding typically in two different ways:
- Riverine flooding: When rivers and streams rise over their banks and flow into surrounding areas. The Credit River, its tributaries and other small creeks in CVC’s jurisdiction may see water levels rise with little warning.
- Urban flooding: Flash flooding of streets, low-lying areas or sewers. Highly impervious areas covered by pavement and buildings are more vulnerable to urban flooding.
Residents should be aware that flooding can occur very quickly with passing thunderstorms.
Summer Safety Tips – Thunderstorms
- Stay away from riverbanks and avoid recreational activities in watercourses during and after storms.
- Do not drive through, stand, or walk in any moving water. Avoid storm sewers and catch basins/drains, and low-lying areas such as road underpasses and walkways.
- Stay informed on storm 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 and review our factsheet on Who to Call During a 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.
-30-
Media contact:
Sophia Maio
Senior Manager, Marketing and Communications
Credit Valley Conservation
M: 437-240-4801
Email