Weather forecasters are calling for a very wet weekend. A Special Weather Statement has been issued by Environment Canada. Rainfall totals have been revised upwards since yesterday and current forecasts are calling for anywhere from 20-40 mm of rainfall on Saturday and 30-45 mm on Sunday. Areas of the watershed, especially in the north, could see periods of freezing rain especially overnight Saturday into Sunday morning.

Should the forecasted rainfall amounts appear, there will likely to be issues of localized flooding just due to the amount of rainfall. Water levels would rise on many of the region’s smaller local watercourses and many would spill their banks. In Chatham-Kent, the LTVCA expects to have to operate the McGregor Creek Diversion Channel to protect the south end of the City of Chatham from flooding.

Water levels on the Thames River would be expected to rise with the peak reaching the upstream areas of the Lower Thames jurisdiction on Monday or Tuesday. Water levels on the river would be expected to remain high most of next week as the water makes its way downstream. The river would rise and flood the low-lying flats adjacent to the river from Delaware down to Chatham. At this time, a more normal spring event is anticipated. However, if more rainfall than forecasted appears, the LTVCA may need to operate the 6th Street Backwater Dam and Pumping Station.

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 and pets 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 April 16th, 2018.

Contact: Jason Wintermute ([email protected],), 519-354-7310 x227) regarding this message.