Highlights:

• Thames River is currently flooding the low-lying river flats from Delaware down to Chatham.
• The rain forecast for last night missed the region.
• The river is expected to peak around Dutton this afternoon, around Thamesville during the day tomorrow, and in Chatham tomorrow evening.
• Water levels in the city of Chatham could still rise another metre to its peak.

Message:

Earlier this week, the Thames River watershed saw around 35 to 55 mm of rain, with some areas reporting higher amounts due to thunderstorm activity. Weather forecasts had been calling for significant amounts of additional rain last night and today. However, that weather system appears to have missed the region, with no more than 1 mm of rain reported at a few locations. Weather forecasts for the rest of the day suggest that the region could see a few more millimetres of rain later in the day.

The Thames River is already flooding the low-lying river flats adjacent to the river from Delaware down to Chatham. The river is still expected to continue rising due to the rainfall earlier this week. The river peaked in London Thursday evening. The river is expected to peak around Dutton this afternoon, around Thamesville during the day tomorrow, and in Chatham tomorrow evening.

While water levels will be high in the Thamesville area, flooding of the community from the river is not expected. Water levels in the creeks and drains that pass through the community could still be high due to water backing up from the Thames River.

In Chatham, water levels could still rise another metre. The exact amount the river could still come up is difficult to predict given that the peak hasn’t even reached the Dutton area yet. The LTVCA still expects to have to operate the 6th St. Dam. The sidewalk along the river in the downtown, and Simcoe Lane, are already flooded. Flooding of the streets mentioned in the last flood message is no longer expected. However, flood waters are expected to get up into the parking lots along the river between 3rd and 5th Streets, and into the rear yards of many properties that back onto the river. Water levels on the river should be expected to remain high into the middle of the week.

Most of the region’s smaller watercourses that drain into the Thames River have seen their water levels drop back to near normal levels. However, with the Thames River being high, the downstream areas of these watercourses should be expected to remain high due to water backing up from the river. The McGregor Creek Diversion Channel in Chatham is currently filled with water backed up from the river.

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.

Contact your municipality if flooding is observed.

 

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 8th, 2025.

Contact: Jason Wintermute ([email protected])