Highlights:

• Forecasts calling for 10 to 30 mm of rain for Friday and Saturday.
• Areas of ponding, standing water and localized flooding could be seen around the watershed.
• Smaller watercourses will rise and some could spill their banks.
• Thames River will rise as well in response to the rain

Message:

Another low pressure system is predicted to pass through the region tomorrow and early Saturday. Weather forecasts suggest the region could see between 10 and 30 mm of rain throughout the lower Thames watershed during this period. Temperatures are then predicted to drop below freezing on Saturday and any further precipitation should fall as snow.

The watershed is still quite wet from the significant rainfall seen on Tuesday and Wednesday. Many of the smaller watercourses around the region are still running higher than usual, and the Thames River in the lower watershed is still rising from that rain. As a result, the watershed is likely to respond quickly to the rain which will run off into our ditches, streams and the river.

The amount of rain in the forecasts could create ponding, areas of standing water and localized flooding. This rain will also cause our smaller watercourses to rise, and some could spill their banks again into adjacent low-lying areas. The LTVCA may again need to operate the McGregor Creek Diversion Channel at Chatham and is prepared to do so if necessary.

The Thames River should also be expected to rise in response to the rain. In the lower Thames watershed, this additional water will add to an already rising Thames River cause by the rain earlier this week. Water levels on the Thames should be expected to rise up and flood the low-lying river flats adjacent to the river. In Chatham, water levels could rise up above the sidewalk along the river in the downtown area. Water levels should then be expected to remain elevated into early next week.

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, 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 January 15th.

Contact: Jason Wintermute ([email protected])