Highlights:

• Rainfall Warning issued by Environment Canada for the region.
• Some areas have already seen significant rainfall, particularly Lakeshore, Middlesex and Elgin areas of the LTVCA.
• More showers and thunderstorms predicted for this evening and overnight.
• Some local watercourses have already responded to the heavy rains and are near bank full conditions.

Message:

Environment Canada has issued Rainfall Warnings for the entire region that covers the LTVCA. The Rainfall Warnings suggest that showers and thunderstorms will continue through this evening and overnight and that some locations may receive in excess of 50 mm of rain by midnight. However, the Windsor/Essex message notes that over 50 mm has already fallen in the Lakeshore and Tilbury area, and radar suggests that areas in Middlesex and Elgin within the LTVCA have also already received over 50 mm. Radar shows that thunderstorms are still passing through the Middlesex and Elgin areas of the LTVCA and significantly more rainfall could be seen.

In some areas, the heavy rains have already caused ponding and localized flooding in low lying areas. Some local watercourses have already responded and are near bank-full conditions. With the possibility of more rain, and as more water runs off the land into our local watercourses, ditches and streams, some of these smaller watercourses could spill their banks into adjacent natural floodplain areas.

At this time, it does not appear that enough rain has fallen to have a significant impact on water levels in the Thames River.

People should take extra caution and avoid watercourses, ditches, and streams with elevated water levels. The combination of slippery banks, deep and fast-moving 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 as necessary.

This message will be in effect until August 25th, 2023.

Message Contact: Jason Wintermute ([email protected])