Highlights:

• Flooding of the Thames River flats from Delaware down to Thamesville.
• Thames River water levels are dropping through Middlesex and Elgin
• Thames River levels in Thamesville are expected to peak this afternoon or early this evening
• Thames River levels in Chatham are expected to peak overnight or early tomorrow morning
• Flooding of basements of businesses along King St. in downtown Chatham is no longer expected
• 6th Street Dam in Chatham is no longer expected to be operated.

Message:

From late Tuesday evening through Wednesday, the watershed received an unusually large amount of rain for this time of the year. Around the watershed, rainfall totals ranging from 60 mm to over 100 mm were recorded. As a result, there have been unusually high flows on the Thames River, more similar to a spring flood event. Thames River water levels peaked in London on Thursday evening, and around the middle of the day on Saturday around Dutton. There is no rain in the forecast for the next few days.

Many local watercourses across the watershed had reached bank full conditions or spilled their banks. Water levels on those watercourses have now dropping throughout the watershed. However, some may still remain high in downstream areas influenced by high water on the Thames River.

Flooding of the river flats along the Thames River from Delaware down to Thamesville continues. Water levels on the Thames River through Middlesex and Elgin are now dropping as the peak has passed. Water levels are expected to peak in Thamesville this afternoon or early this evening.

In Chatham, water levels on the Thames River are expected to slowly continue to rise and peak overnight or early Monday morning. Flooding of the basements of businesses along King St. is no longer expected, and the LTVCA no longer expects to have to operate the 6th Street Dam.

Water levels on the Thames River will be high downstream of Chatham as well. Flooding of Lighthouse Cove is not expected.

Water levels on the Thames River are expected for remain high for the next few days, especially in the downstream areas.

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

This message will be in effect until September 29 or until updated.

Message Contact: Jason Wintermute (jason.wintermute@ltvca.ca)