Highlights:

• An additional 5-10 mm of rain forecast for the next 24 hours, mostly overnight and tomorrow morning.
• Possibility of further ponding, standing water, and localized flooding throughout the watershed.
• Thames River will rise and continue to flood the river flats from Delaware down to Chatham.
• The 6th St. Backwater Dam and Pumping Staton in Chatham is now operating.
• Ice has now largely cleared out of the Thames River.
• Flooding of basements along King St. in downtown Chatham still possible with the additional rain.

Message:

A series of weather systems moved through the region over the last 5 days dropping 40 to 60 mm of rain and melting most of the snow out of the lower Thames watershed. Weather forecasts are calling for an additional 5 to 10 mm of rain over the next 24 hours, mostly falling overnight and tomorrow morning, with the possibility of higher amounts in localized areas.

The rain caused many of the smaller watercourses in the lower Thames watershed to rise and some spilled their banks into adjacent low-lying areas. These watercourses have now peaked and water levels are dropping. However, this new rain could boost water levels again. Depending on how much rain appears, areas of ponding, standing water, and localized flooding could reappear or expand. Where these smaller watercourses exit into the Thames River, water levels should be expected to remain high into next week as upstream waters make their way down the river. The McGregor Creek Diversion Channel at Chatham is currently in operation.

The Thames River is already flooding the low-lying river flats from Delaware down to Chatham. The river had already peaked in many areas in the lower Thames watershed due to the recent rains. These new rains could boost river levels even further. However, flooding of the upper tablelands is not expected. Water levels along the river should be expected to remain high into the middle of next week.

In Chatham, water levels on the Thames have peaked from the recent rains. The 6th St. Backwater Dam and Pumping Station is currently operating to prevent flooding along Indian and McGregor Creeks in south Chatham. This additional rain will further boost water levels in the city. Since the rain has not yet arrived, it is difficult to say how much further river levels may rise in the city. At this time, there remains the possibility that river levels will rise and flood the basements along King St. in the downtown. If higher than expected rain falls, there could possibly be flooding in the low-lying residential areas along the river, such as Siskind Court, William St at Water St., and Salter St.

The ice on the Thames River has now mostly flushed out into Lake St. Clair. Earlier in the day, there was a buildup of ice just out in the lake near the mouth. This appeared to have been raising water levels in the area. It appears that blockage has pushed out and ice is more freely moving into the lake.

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. Any remaining ice on the river or smaller watercourses should be considered unstable and dangerous. Standing water can also present its own unseen hazards. Children, pets, and livestock should be kept away from the water. As water levels rise, 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 February 1st.

Message Contact: Jason Wintermute ([email protected])