Highlights:

• Lower Thames watershed saw 5 to 15 mm of rain yesterday.
• Smaller watercourses have already peaked in response to that rain and their water levels are dropping.
• Thames River water levels around Dutton peaked last night and are now dropping.
• Thames River expected to peak around Thamesville Tuesday during the day, and then in Chatham overnight.
• Flooding of residential areas in Chatham is not expected.

Message:

A series of weather systems moved through the region over the last week bringing rain and melting most of the snow out of the lower Thames watershed. Yesterday, the region received an additional 5 to 15 mm of rain while the Thames River was already flooding the river flats. Some forecasts are calling for up to 5 mm of precipitation tomorrow, falling mostly as snow.

Smaller watercourses throughout the region responded to the additional rain. These watercourses have peaked, and their water levels are now dropping. Where these smaller watercourses exit into the Thames River, water levels should be expected to remain high while upstream waters make their way down the river. The McGregor Creek Diversion Channel at Chatham is currently in operation.

The Thames River continues to flood the low-lying river flats from Delaware down to Chatham. Water levels on the river peaked around Dutton last night and are now dropping. The river is expected to peak around Thamesville on Tuesday during the day, and then in Chatham overnight. Water levels along the river should be expected to remain high for a few more days after the peak passes. Flooding of the upper tablelands is not expected.

In Chatham, water levels on the Thames continue to rise as the peak approaches. The 6th St. Backwater Dam and Pumping Station is currently operating to prevent flooding along Indian and McGregor Creeks in south Chatham. Current estimates are that the Thames River in Chatham could rise another 50 cm before it peaks. There is some uncertainty in this as the peak is still a day and a half out, with many smaller ungauged watercourses adding more water to the river as well. Local conditions in the river can also have an impact on water levels. Flooding of residential areas in Chatham is not expected.

The ice on the Thames River has now flushed out into Lake St. Clair and no longer presents an ice jam risk.

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. Any remaining ice on the river or smaller watercourses should be considered unstable and dangerous. Standing water can also present its own unseen hazards. Children, pets, and livestock should be kept away from the water. As water levels rise, 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 February 1st.

Message Contact: Jason Wintermute ([email protected])