Highlights:

• Significant rainfall Tuesday night into Wednesday sent water levels climbing again.
• Water levels on the region’s smaller watercourses are now dropping.
• Water levels on the Thames River have peaked around Chatham and are dropping in areas upstream.
• Additional flooding is not expected.
• Water levels are expected to be high for the next few days. Residents should be cautious around high water.

Message:

There has been a prolonged high-water event in the Lower Thames River watershed which began last week when temperatures rose quickly, rain fell across the watershed, and much of the snowpack melted in the upper watershed. Overnight Tuesday into Wednesday there was significant additional rain which arrived as water levels on the Thames River were peaking in the Thamesville and Chatham area. Areas in the west of the watershed saw around 40 to 50 mm of rainfall during this period, with thunderstorms dropping higher amounts in some areas. Areas further east in the watershed saw less rain.

Water levels on the smaller watercourses around the watershed have now peaked and are beginning to drop after the rain. There are still some areas of ponding, standing water and localized flooding which should be draining away.

The Thames River has now peaked throughout the lower Thames River watershed. Water levels around Dutton began falling again late yesterday evening. Water levels around Thamesville peaked this morning and are also slowly beginning to fall. Water levels are currently peaking in the city of Chatham. No more than a few more additional centimetres of rise should be expected today in the city. Additional flooding is not expected. The LTVCA expects to re-open the 6th St. Dam later today.

However, water levels are still high on the river. While the water is starting to drain out of the low-lying area adjacent to the river around Dutton, the water is still well up into these areas downstream through the Thamesville and Chatham area. Water levels should be expected to remain high for the next few days.

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. People should stay out of any flooded areas and not drive through flooded roadways. Children, pets, and livestock should be kept away from the water. It is not safe to take shelter along riverbanks or in low lying areas that are prone to flooding.
Officials will continue to monitor the situation and update this advisory as necessary.

This message will be in effect until March 14th.

Contact: Jason Wintermute ([email protected])