Warm temperatures, melting snow and heavy rainfall last week led to large amounts of flooding in the Thames River watershed. All the snow in the Thames watershed has now melted and there is no longer any ice cover on the Thames River. Weather forecasts are calling for temperatures to remain above freezing until Friday when overnight lows below freezing will occur. Long range forecasts are predicting 10-35 mm of rain on Thursday.

Water levels on the Thames River are dropping throughout the watershed, from the upper reaches down to the mouth at Lighthouse Cove. Water levels are back down into the river flats all along the river. The Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority ceased operations of the 6th St. Backwater Dam and Pumping Station yesterday evening and the Indian-McGregor Creek Diversion Channel this morning.

Should the large amounts of rainfall predicted for Thursday occur, the Diversion Channel may again need to operate.

The LTVCA has received complaints of residents pushing flood -related debris back into the river. We would ask that residents properly dispose of such material as it could present a hazard.

The river will see elevated water levels for a few days. 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 February 28th, 2018.

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