Highlights:

• Special Weather Statement in effect due to forecasts of 25 to 50 mm of rain by Saturday.
• Some areas have already seen this much rain and there is still another 15 to 35 mm of rain in the forecast for today and Saturday.
• Smaller local watercourse could rise and spill out into their floodplains
• Along the Thames River, there could be flooding of the low lying river flats from Delaware down to Chatham
• The sidewalk in downtown Chatham is expected to flood over.
• Water levels can be expected to remain high through the weekend and into the middle of next week for downstream areas.

Message:

Environment Canada currently has a Special Weather Statement in effect for the region due to forecasts calling for rainfall totals of 25 to 50 mm by Saturday. The weather system passing through the Lower Thames region yesterday evening and overnight produced rainfall amounts of around 20 mm on average, but some stations have reported over 45 mm already. As the rain continues, forecasts are still calling for another 10-20 mm for the rest of today and another 5-15 mm on Saturday.

On the region’s ditches, creeks and streams, water levels have responded quickly. In areas that received higher rainfall amounts, some watercourses may have already reached bank full conditions or spilled out into their floodplains. People living and working near areas that typically see flooding during heavy rains should pay attention to local conditions. The LTVCA will be monitoring conditions to determine whether the McGregor Creek Diversion needs to be operated to protect the south end of the city of Chatham. Water levels on these local watercourse should be expected to remain high all weekend due to the continuing rain.

On the Thames River, water levels have also responded quickly. Depending on how much more rain falls, there could be flooding of the low lying river flats from Delaware down to Chatham. At this time it looks like the sidewalk in downtown Chatham will get flooded. Water levels on the Thames River can be expected to rise and remain high through the weekend and into the middle of next week in downstream areas.

People should take extra caution and avoid the river, ditches, and streams. The combination of slippery banks and fast moving water can be dangerous. Standing water can also present 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.

Contact: Jason Wintermute (jason.wintermute@ltvca.ca) regarding this message.

This message will be in effect until April 19th, 2019.