Highlights:

• Low-lying flood flats and valley lands adjacent to the river are currently flooded between Delaware and Chatham.
• The promenade along the Thames River in Chatham is expected to flood in the coming days.
• Simcoe Lane in Chatham under the Fifth Street Bridge is expected to flood in the coming days.
• There is a possibility of the requirement of operating the Sixth Street Dam and Pump Station in Chatham (which would include closing the Diversion Dam) in order to keep water levels low on the south side of Chatham.
• High water levels and flows on the Thames River should be expected to persist through the weekend.

Message:

Heavy rain in the Upper Thames River watershed yesterday, in conjunction with previous heavy rains and saturated ground conditions in the same area over the last few days, has resulted in localized flooding as well as increased runoff into the Thames River.

The Upper Thames River Conservation Authority has been operating its flood control reservoirs to reduce downstream peak flows. Given the volume of rainfall received and current flows coming out of the Upper Thames’ catchment area, flows south of London between Delaware and Chatham are flooding the river’s adjacent low-lying flats and nearby low-lying valley lands.

The Thames River is approaching its peak coming out of the London area. While the flow is expected to reduce as it routes down through the valley system, it is expected to be high enough in downtown Chatham that it will flood the promenade along the river as well as Simcoe Lane under the Fifth Street Bridge. The river is expected to peak in Chatham Friday night. Depending on how the river routes down through the valley, there is a possibility that the water level in Chatham will require the closure of both the Diversion Dam and the Sixth Street Dam and the operation of the pump station at Sixth Street. The LTVCA is preparing to operate the dams and pump station, if required.

Weather forecasts are not currently calling for any significant rainfall events in the near future. However, given the nature of these convective summer storms, there is uncertainty if there will be additional input into our watershed over the next few days as the water routes down through the river’s valley. Water levels should be expected to remain higher than normal for the remainder of the week and through the weekend.

People should continue to take extra caution and avoid the river as well as ditches and streams. The combination of slippery banks and fast-flowing water can be dangerous. Standing water can present its own unseen hazards. Children and animals should be kept away from the water.

Officials will continue to monitor the situation and update this advisory if necessary.

This message will be in effect until July 22, 2024.

Message Contact: Jason Homewood, P.Geo., Water Resources and Regulations Technician ([email protected]).