Highlights:

• Snowpack in the upper Thames River watershed expected to be mostly melted by the end of the week.
• Water levels on the Thames River will rise and flood the low-lying river flats from Delaware to Chatham.
• Rain forecast for the weekend could raise water levels further.

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 forecast for this week will continue to melt the snow. The water from the melted snow will make its way to the river and cause water levels to rise. Forecasts suggest there could be rain this weekend that would cause water levels to rise even further. However, it is still too early to be certain about the rain this weekend and how much rain may fall.

Since most of the snow has already melted from the lower Thames River watershed, those smaller watercourses in the LTVCA that drain into the Thames River, or directly into the lakes, are not expected to see water levels rise very much due to the warm temperatures.

Water levels on the Thames River will rise as the melted snow makes its way to the river and flows downstream through the lower Thames River. Later this week, and into early next week, higher water levels should be expected. Water levels on the river are expected to rise and flood of the low-lying river flats adjacent to the river from Delaware down to Chatham. Without any additional rain, flooding in the city of Chatham would be expected to be limited to the sidewalk along the river in the downtown, perhaps Simcoe Lane, and other low-lying areas adjacent to the river that tend to flood frequently. If additional rain arrives this weekend, higher water levels could be seen.

As the river rises again, people should take extra caution and avoid the river, as well as any other watercourses with high water. 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.

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

This message will be in effect until March 20, 2025.

Contact: Jason Wintermute ([email protected])