Highlights:

• Water levels have now peaked in Chatham and will remain near peak levels throughout the day.
• Smaller watercourses are dropping after the rain on Monday overnight into Tuesday.
• Weather forecasts calling for 10 to 30 mm of rain and thundershowers today.
• Smaller watercourses could rise again and spill their banks into adjacent low-lying areas.
• Thames River will continue to flood the river flat from Delaware down to Chatham.
• High water levels on the Thames River should be expected into the weekend.

Message:

Thunderstorms passed through the region late Friday and Saturday dropping a significant amount of rain on the Thames River watershed and leading to high water levels. Additional rain Monday overnight into Tuesday has kept water levels high and the ground saturated. Weather forecasts suggest the possibility of an additional 10 to 30 mm of rain with the possibility of thundershowers today.

With the ground still saturated and smaller watercourses still high from recent rains, the watershed will respond rapidly to any rain it receives. Ponding, standing water and localized flooding in low lying areas should be expected. While the smaller watercourses had been dropping, with additional rain they will rise again and many could spill their banks into adjacent low-lying areas. Those watercourses tributary to the Thames River will see even higher water levels, especially in areas near the river, since the Thames River is still near its peak throughout the lower Thames watershed and this will make it difficult for the water to drain away.

Water levels on the Thames River are still high enough that flooding is occurring in the low-lying, mostly agricultural, river flats adjacent to the river from Delaware down to Chatham. Water levels peaked around Thamesville early last evening and are slowly falling. Water levels peaked in Chatham early this morning and are now slowly falling as well. Water levels in the city should be expected to remain near peak levels throughout the day. If significant rainfall appears, it could keep water levels in the city high or perhaps even cause them to rise. The LTVCA is currently operating the 6th St Dam in downtown Chatham to prevent flooding in the south end of Chatham.

Given current conditions, and the rain in the forecasts, high water levels on the Thames River in downstream areas should be expected to last into the weekend.

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, pets and livestock should be kept away from the water.

With current conditions, it is not safe to take shelter along riverbanks or in low-lying areas that are prone to flooding.

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

This message will be in effect until April 9th, 2023.

Message Contact: Jason Wintermute ([email protected])