Highlights:

• Rainfall Warning issued by Environment Canada.
• Forecasts calling for 20 to 40 mm, beginning Sunday morning.
• Areas of ponding, standing water and localized flooding could be seen around the watershed.
• Smaller watercourses will rise and some could spill their banks into adjacent low-lying areas.
• McGregor Creek Diversion Channel may need to be operated
• Thames River also expected to rise, but significant flooding not expected.

Message:

Earlier today Environment Canada issued a Rainfall Warning covering the lower Thames River watershed. Forecasts are calling for 20 to 40 mm of rain, beginning Sunday morning and lasting into Sunday night. The warm temperatures and and rain should melt any remaining snowpack in the Lower Thames watershed, adding additional water to the runoff.

The amount of rain in the forecast should be expected to create ponding, areas of standing water and localized flooding. Smaller watercourses, stream and ditches, should be expected to rise rapidly and some could spill their banks into adjacent low-lying areas. Given the forecasted rainfall amounts, the LTVCA expects to have to operate the McGregor Creek Diversion Channel at Chatham, and is prepared to do so if necessary. Water levels should be expected to remain elevated through Monday , with further rain in the forecast for Tuesday.

The Thames River itself will rise in response to the rain. Water levels on the river are expected to peak in upstream areas on Monday and work their way downstream through the rest of the week. Water levels on the river could rise to similar levels seen during the recent event in mid-December. Significant flooding from the river is not expected.

People should pay attention around waterways and avoid the river as well as ditches and streams. The combination of slippery banks and fast-flowing cold water can be dangerous. Standing water can present its own unseen hazards. Children and animals should be kept away from the water.

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

This message will be in effect until January 3, 2025.

Contact: Jason Wintermute ([email protected])