Highlights:

• Significant volumes of rainfall have been received in the upper Thames River’s catchment area.
• Low-lying flood flats and valley lands adjacent to the river are expected to flood between Delaware and Chatham.
• High water levels and flows on the Thames River should be expected to persist into the weekend.

Message:

Heavy rain in the Upper Thames River watershed yesterday, in conjunction with previous heavy rains and saturated ground conditions in the same area over the last few days, has resulted in localized flooding as well as increased runoff into the Thames River.

The Upper Thames River Conservation Authority has been operating its flood control reservoirs to reduce downstream peak flows. Given the volume of rainfall received and current flows coming out of the Upper Thames’ catchment area, flows south of London between Delaware and Chatham are expected to flood the river’s adjacent low-lying flats and nearby low-lying valley lands.

Weather forecasts are not currently calling for any significant rainfall events in the near future. However, given the nature of these convective summer storms, there is uncertainty if there will be additional input into our watershed over the next few days as the water routes down through the river’s valley. Water levels should be expected to remain higher than normal for the remainder of the week and into the weekend.

People should continue to take extra caution and avoid the river as well as ditches and streams. The combination of slippery banks and fast-flowing 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 if necessary.

This message will be in effect until July 22, 2024.

Contact:  Jason Homewood ([email protected])