Date: 9:30 A.M., Friday, April 8, 2016

Issued to: Municipal Flood Coordinators of Municipalities, Media

Issued by: Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority

Late on Wednesday and early on Thursday the Thames Watershed received 10-35 mm of rainfall, with those higher rainfall amounts in the Upper watershed.  Local forecasts are calling for a few more millimetres of mixed precipitation this evening and overnight.  Forecasts are calling for an additional 10-15 mm spread over Sunday and Monday.

The watershed is still quite wet from last week`s rainfall events and the Upper watershed responded quickly to the recent rainfall.  Water levels on the Thames River in the City of London are expected to peak this morning and work their way downstream over the next few days.  Water levels around Dutton can be expected to peak late tomorrow afternoon and in Thamesville and Chatham on Sunday.  Water levels on the Thames River will not reach as high as those experienced over the last few weeks.  Any flooding will remain limited to those low lying, dominantly agricultural, river flats adjacent to the Thames River and those areas traditionally impacted by high levels on the river.  In the City of Chatham, the sidewalk in downtown Chatham that runs along the river can be expected to flood again.

With the forecasted precipitation for this weekend, water levels on the smaller local watercourses in the Lower Thames can be expected to rise again.  Again, water levels will not reach as high as those experienced over the last few weeks.  Some watercourse may reach bank full conditions, but little flooding is expected.

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, 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 12th, 2016.

Contact:  Jason Wintermute ([email protected]) regarding this message.