Last week, the region experienced unseasonably cold temperatures and snow accumulation. With the warm temperatures and 20-30 mm of rain over the weekend, almost all of the snow has melted away. Radar indicates that the rain has now moved out of the region, having dropped another 5 mm this morning.

Local watercourses are running high at this time. Some low lying adjacent areas may be flooded. At this time, it is not anticipated that the McGregor Creek Diversion Channel in Chatham will need to be operated. Conservation Authority staff are monitoring the situation.

The Thames River is rising and overnight it may reach the point where it begins to flood the low lying river flats between Delaware and Thamesville. Flooding of the upper tablelands is not expected. Water levels will remain high over the next few days as the water passes downstream.

Property owners should take extra caution and ensure that people, pets, livestock and loose objects are kept back away from the river, ditches, and streams. A combination of slippery banks and fast moving cold water is particularly dangerous. Parents should pay special attention to keep their children away from the water.

The Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority will continue to monitor conditions and will issue additional messages as required.

Contact: Jason Wintermute (519-354-7310 x227) regarding this message.

This message will be in effect until November 28th unless revised.