Highlights:

• Most smaller watercourses have begun to drop, while the Thames River is still rising.
• Areas of ponding, standing water, and localized flooding seen throughout the watershed.
• Thames River will continue to rise and flood the river flats from Delaware down the Chatham.
• The 6th St. Dam in Chatham is expected to begin operating tomorrow morning.
• Flooding of the basements along King St. in downtown Chatham should be expected.

Message:

A series of weather systems moved through the region over the last few 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 small amounts of rain, maybe a few mm each day, for the next few days.

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 beginning to drop. Areas of ponding, standing water, and localized flooding, should be expected to stick around for a few more days as the water slowly drains away. 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 continues to rise in response to the rains. The river is already flooding the low-lying river flats from Delaware down to Chatham. As the water from upstream makes its way downstream, further flooding of the river flats should be anticipated. However, flooding of the upper tablelands is not expected.

In Chatham, water levels on the Thames continue to rise in response to our local rainfall. The LTVCA expects to operate the 6th St. Backwater Dam and Pumping Station tomorrow (Saturday) morning. Water levels will continue to rise and flooding of the basements along King St. in the downtown should be expected. At this time, there is not expected to be flooding of the residential areas along the river. Water levels should be expected to remain high into the middle of next week. Further updates to conditions may be required as the waters upstream gather in London and work their way downstream.

The ice on the Thames River has begun to break up and move downstream. Prior to breakup, there appeared to be around 10 cm of ice on the river. While the LTVCA has no record of a significant ice jam forming with so little ice on the river, small ice jams could form and impact water levels.

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])