Highlights:

• Water levels are dropping throughout the Thames River.
• Risk of ice jam flooding has reduced.
• Majority of the river is ice free upstream of Kent Bridge, with some isolated ice jams at major bends.
• Remaining tracts of river ice should be considered unsafe throughout the river.

Message:

Warm weather conditions last week caused melting of the snowpack in both the Lower and Upper Thames River watersheds. Water levels rose on the Thames River in response and the ice on the river weakened as a result and started to break up in areas. Water levels peaked coming out of London on Saturday, peaked in the area of Currie Road / Thames Road on Sunday, peaked in the area of Thamesville on Monday, and peaked again in Chatham Monday evening. Water levels are continuing to drop throughout the Thames River.

Upstream of Kent Bridge, the river is largely ice free with the exception of a few major bends in the river where the ice has jammed in place. Between Chatham and Kent Bridge, the ice sheet has broken into smaller sheets, but is still largely in place. Downstream of Chatham, there is a stretch of open river for several kilometers. After that, through Prairie Siding and down to the mouth, the ice is still largely intact with some areas of open water. The ice should not be considered safe.

Current flows on the Thames River have not caused ice jam flooding in the past. However, conditions will continue to be monitored.

The combination of slippery banks, unstable ice conditions, 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. 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 if necessary.
This message will be in effect until February 26, 2026.

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