Watershed Conditions – Safety Bulletin

Date: 3:00 P.M., Sunday, May 31, 2015
Issued to: Municipal Flood Coordinators of Municipalities, Media
Issued by: Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority

Southwestern Ontario is currently under an Environment Canada Rainfall Advisory. Over the past 24 hours, the lower Thames River watershed has received approximately 40 to 60 mm of rain. Rainfall forecasts are predicting an additional 15 mm this afternoon and evening.

The watershed conditions were relatively dry at the start of this rainfall event, but the ground has now absorbed what rainfall it can and the region’s smaller watercourses are now running high. Some of these smaller watercourses may have already reached back full conditions. The Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority will begin operating the Indian-McGregor Creek Diversion Channel later this afternoon to protect the south end of Chatham from excessive flows in the Indian-McGregor Creek drainage system.

Standing water, especially in the low lying areas could present a safety risk. The water in area’s watercourses is fast flowing and the banks are muddy and slippery. People should avoid ditches, streams, creeks and the river for safety reasons. People are encouraged to keep their children and animals away from watercourses at this time.

The Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as required.

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

This message will be in effect until June 1st unless revised.