Highlights:

• Thames River peaked around Dutton early Saturday afternoon, around Thamesville early yesterday evening, and early this morning in Chatham
• Water levels are now dropping on the Thames River along almost its entire length.
• People should still be cautious around the river as water levels are still quite high.
• Water levels should be expected to remain high for the next few days.

Message:

Last week, the Thames River watershed saw around 35 to 55 mm of rain, with some areas reporting higher amounts due to thunderstorm activity. That rain caused the Thames River and other watercourses to spill their banks into adjacent floodplain areas. The Thames River peaked in London Thursday, around Dutton early Saturday afternoon, and around Thamesville early yesterday evening. In the city of Chatham, water levels on the Thames River peaked early this morning. There is no significant rain in the forecast for the next few days.

Water levels are now dropping on the Thames River all along its length, other than in the most downstream areas which are largely protected by diking.

In Chatham, the 6th St. Dam was operated yesterday evening and overnight. These operations brought down water levels on Indian and McGregor Creeks in the city. Water levels on those creeks will now slowly rise throughout the day until they match the falling water levels of the Thames River. The McGregor Creek Diversion Channel in Chatham is currently filled with water backed up from the river. Those water levels will also begin to drop as the river levels drop. Water levels in the city will remain high for the next few days.

People should take extra caution and avoid the river, ditches, and streams. The combination of slippery banks, and fast-moving cold water can be dangerous. Standing water can also present its own unseen hazards. Children and pets and livestock should be kept away from the water.

 

 

For Residents of Chatham-Kent

The Municipality of Chatham-Kent has recently brought a new Emergency Alert Service online called CKAlert.

Chatham-Kent residents can sign up at  www.CKAlert.ca to receive notifications should a flooding emergency take place. Unlike the Federal Alert Ready system, residents will not receive notifications unless they sign up.

This Emergency Alert Service will only be used in the event of a flood-related emergency situation, and will not replace the regular flood watch notifications provided by the LTVCA.

Sign up today to receive updates immediately when an emergency takes place, via text, email or phone call, in order to make informed decisions to stay safe.

 

 

Officials will continue to monitor the situation and update this advisory if necessary.

This message will be in effect until April 9th, 2025.

Contact: Jason Wintermute ([email protected])