The Lower Thames watershed received between 50 and 70 mm of rainfall over the weekend. Weather forecasts are only predicting a few millimetres of mixed precipitation this evening and winds generally out of the north for the next few days. The forecast does not present any concerns for additional flooding through the weekend.

The weekend’s rainfall had caused water levels to rise on many of the region’s smaller local watercourses and many spilled their banks. Water levels are now dropping throughout the watershed except in those areas influenced by high levels on the Thames River. While the McGregor Creek Diversion Channel in Chatham contains water, this is largely due to high water levels on the Thames River as it is no longer being actively operated.

Water levels on the Thames River are currently peaking around Thames Road /Currie Road and have begun to drop upstream. Water levels are still rising slowly in the downstream areas and are expected to peak in Thamesville during the day tomorrow and in Chatham overnight tomorrow. Water levels can be expected to remain high in the downstream areas through the weekend.

People should take extra caution and avoid the river, ditches, and streams. The combination of slippery banks, floating debris, and fast moving cold water can be dangerous. 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 April 23rd, 2018.

Contact: Jason Wintermute (jason.wintermute@ltvca.ca, 519-354-7310 x227) regarding this message.