Highlights:

• Smaller local watercourses are seeing water levels drop.
• Thames River will continue to rise and remain up into early next week.
• Ice on the Thames River has begun to lift but remains largely intact. It is not safe to be out on the ice.

Message:

After a recent warm up with significant rain, winter conditions have returned. Throughout the watershed, the melting snow and rain had caused ponding, standing water and localized flooding in low lying areas and areas of poor drainage. With the sudden return of cold temperatures, much of the water which hadn’t already run off has frozen in place. Water levels on our local ditches, creeks and streams had risen and some had spilled their banks. Water levels are now dropping on these smaller local watercourses.

The Thames River itself has also risen. Water levels on the river will begin peaking later today in upstream areas and the peak will work its way downstream over the weekend. Peak flows are generally expected to be lower than the thresholds where flood messages would be issued for flooding of the river flats. Only the lowest lying of the river flats adjacent to the river would be expected to flood. However, the effects of river ice could create localized effects. Water levels on the river should be expected to remain up through the weekend into early next week.

The river ice is largely intact along the lower Thames River. The river was open around Delaware, but the ice still intact around Thames Road / Currie Road. Downstream from there, the river ice is also largely intact. However, there are a few areas of the river downstream which have opened up, especially around Thamesville. It is not safe to be out on the ice.

People should take extra caution and avoid the river, ditches, and streams. The ice on the river should no longer be considered safe. The combination of slippery banks, broken or unstable ice and fast moving cold water can be dangerous. Children and animals 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 February 22nd, 2022.

Message Contact: Jason Wintermute ([email protected])