Highlights:

• The snowpack in the upper Thames River watershed continues to melt.
• Forecasts for Saturday and Sunday are calling for 20 to 25 mm of rain, with possible thunderstorms.
• Flooding along the Thames River, including in Chatham, will depend on how much rain falls.
• Residents should pay attention to local conditions.

Message:

The warm temperatures and rain last week melted a significant amount of the snow in the upper Thames River watershed. Estimates suggested almost half of the water stored in the snow had been released. The warm temperatures this week are continuing to melt the snow. While the melting did not come as quickly are previously expected, and the river did not rise as high as expected, water levels on the Thames River are still well above normal. Forecasts are currently calling for 20 to 25 mm of rain on Saturday and Sunday. This rain would make water levels on the Thames River rise further.

The amount of rain in the forecast could cause ponding, standing water and localized flooding. Smaller watercourses that drain into the Thames River or the lakes will rise and, depending on how much rain falls, could spill their banks into adjacent low-lying areas. The LTVCA is prepared to operate the McGregor Creek Diversion Channel if necessary.

Water levels on the Thames River will also rise in response to the rain. With water levels already higher than normal, the river should be expected to rise and flood of the low-lying river flats adjacent to the river from Delaware down to Chatham. In the city of Chatham, the amount of flooding will depend on how much additional snowmelt is seen before the rain and how much rain ends up falling Saturday and Sunday. At a minimum, one should expect flooding of the sidewalk along the river in the downtown, Simcoe Lane, and other low-lying areas adjacent to the river that tend to flood frequently. If there is more melt and/or more rainfall than forecast, the LTVCA may need to operate the 6th St. Dam in Chatham. At this level, additional flooded areas would include the parking lots between 3rd and 5th Streets, and additional flooding of rear yards that back onto the river. If the thunderstorms drop significantly more rain than forecast, river levels could impact other areas such as the basements of businesses along King St. that back onto the river and Siskind Court. Property owners and others who frequent these areas should pay attention to local conditions, remove possessions from the flood prone areas if possible, and be prepared.

People should take extra caution and avoid the river, ditches and streams. The combination of slippery banks and fast-moving water can be dangerous. It may not be safe to seek shelter along the riverbanks. Standing water can also present its own unseen hazards. Children, pets, and livestock 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 March 17, 2025.

Contact: Jason Wintermute ([email protected])