Date: 9:00 A.M., Monday, June 29, 2015

Issued to: Municipal Flood Coordinators of Municipalities, Media

Issued by: Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority

The lower Thames River watershed received between 45 and 65 mm of rainfall on Saturday and early Sunday morning. This rainfall was more than expected and water levels on some local watercourses rose to bank full conditions or spilled their banks. Localized flooding occurred in some places. Overall, the upper Thames watershed upstream of London received less rain with 15 to 55 mm being measured. Water levels on the Thames River in Chatham have risen about a metre already and should peak by this afternoon. The storm created flooding along the Lake Erie shoreline west of Wheatley in the Essex Region Conservation Authority. Flooding was not reported along the shoreline in the Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority east of Wheatley.

Weather forecasts for the region are calling for an additional 10 to 15 mm of rainfall this evening through Tuesday morning. Water levels will not have had a chance to fall back to seasonal levels before this new rainfall arrives. The ground will still be saturated and won’t be able to absorb any of this additional water. Water levels will rise again and localized flooding could continue. Depending on the timing and amount of rainfall, water levels could rise as high as those seen over the last 2 days.

People should take extra caution and avoid the river, ditches, and streams. A combination of muddy, slippery banks and fast moving water can be dangerous. Standing water can also present unseen hazards. Parents should pay special attention to keep their children away from the water and farmers should keep livestock away as well.

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

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

This message will be in effect until July 2nd unless revised.