Highlights:

• Local watercourses are now dropping.
• Flooding of the Thames River flats from Delaware down to Thamesville.
• 6th Street Dam in Chatham expected to be operated.
• Flooding now expected to be limited to the basements of businesses along King St. in Chatham

Message:

Since late Tuesday evening, the watershed has received an unusually large amount of rain for this time of the year. Around the watershed, rainfall totals ranging from 60 mm to over 100 mm were recorded. As a result, there have been unusually high flows on the Thames River, more similar to a spring flood event. Water levels in London peaked last evening somewhat lower than expected. There is a small amount of rain in the forecast for Saturday, but it is not expected to have an impact on flood levels.

Many local watercourses across the watershed had reached bank full conditions or spilled their banks. Water levels on those watercourses are now dropping throughout the watershed. However, some may still remain high moving into the weekend, especially in downstream areas that might be influenced by high water on the Thames River.

Flooding of the river flats along the Thames River from Delaware down to Thamesville has already begun. Flooding of the river flats will be unusually high for this time of the year and agricultural producers working in these areas should pay attention to local conditions. Updated flow values suggest there shouldn’t be problems for bridge crossings of the Thames River, but caution should still be taken in these areas due to the high water. The community of Thamesville is not expected to be impacted by this event.

In Chatham, the sidewalk along the river in the downtown has already flooded over. Water levels will continue to rise over the weekend and are expected to peak on Sunday. Now that the peak flow has passed London, the forecast for Chatham has been revised. The LTVCA still expects to have to operate the 6th Street Dam and is preparing to do so. However, flooding of streets in the city is no longer expected. Flooding is expected to be limited to the basements of businesses along King St. in the downtown. That type of flooding would not be expected to occur until late Saturday or Sunday.

There is still some uncertainty in the forecast due to the possibility of rain and other factors as peak flows make their way downstream over the next few days. Officials will continue to monitor the situation and update this advisory if necessary.

People should take extra caution and avoid the river, ditches, and streams. The combination of slippery banks and fast-moving water can be dangerous. Standing water can also present unseen hazards. Children and animals should be kept away from the water.

This message will be in effect until September 28 or until updated.

Message Contact: Jason Wintermute ([email protected])