Highlights:

• Areas of ponding, standing water, and localized flooding seen throughout the watershed.

• Smaller watercourses will rise and some may spill their banks into low-lying adjacent areas.

• Thames River will continue to rise and flood the river flats from Delaware down the Chatham.

• Other areas in the city of Chatham could see flooding (see message below)

Message:

Water levels throughout much of the Lower Thames watershed had dropped after last week’s rainfall and snowmelt caused high water levels.  Environment and Climate Change Canada has a Rainfall Warning in effect, suggesting the region could see 20-40 mm of rain today, with higher amounts possible in areas that see thunderstorms.  That rain began overnight and, in the Chatham area, rainfall totals between 25 and 35 mm have been recorded as of 9:00 am.  Radar suggests other areas in the west of the watershed may have seen up to 40 mm already.  While it is very difficult to predict the rain that may fall throughout the rest of the day due to the presence of thunderstorms, forecasts are calling for another 10-20 mm.   

The forecasted rains are expected to create areas of ponding, standing water, and localized flooding around the watershed.  Smaller watercourses in the region will rise again and some may spill their banks into adjacent low-lying areas.  The LTVCA is again operating the McGregor Creek Diversion Channel.   

While the Thames River had already peaked from last week’s event around Dutton, water levels had not yet peaked at Thamesville or Chatham.  The rain already received today, together with the additional rain from later today, will cause water levels on the Thames River to further.     

The Thames River will continue to flood the low-lying areas adjacent to the river from Delaware down to Thamesville as water levels on the river rise again.  How high the river will reach in Chatham will depend on many factors, including both the amount of rainfall received and the timing.  In Chatham, with the current rain fall already received, flooding of the basements of those businesses along King Street should be expected.  There is also likely to be flooding along Siskind Court.  With continued rainfall, there could potentially be flooding closer to what was seen in 2018.  This could potentially include flooding along William Street at Water Street, Salter Street, Thames Street near Pitt and Kent Streets, and Pegley Court West.  The LTVCA expects to be operating the 6th St. Dam and Pumping Station in Chatham.      

The McGregor Creek Diversion Channel and 6th Street Dam work in operation to protect the south side of Chatham from flooding.  However, this system, like all infrastructure, has its limits.  With the 6th St. Dam closed to protect the south side from flooding from high water levels on the Thames River, the pumping station may not be able to keep up with the higher rainfall amounts in the forecast.  If the pumping station is unable to keep up, there could be flooding in south Chatham along Indian Creek, in the areas around Tissiman Avenue, Queen Street at Tissiman, Indian Creek Road and Algonquin Drive.     

People should take extra caution and avoid the river, ditches, and streams.  The combination of slippery banks, 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 and not drive through flooded roadways.  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 as necessary.

This message will be in effect until March 12th.

Message Contact:  Jason Wintermute ([email protected])