Highlights:

•   The Rivard Dam in Chatham-Kent was closed late last night to allow for full operation of the Indian-McGregor Creek Diversion Channel.
•   Flood waters from the McGregor Creek watershed are being diverted around the City of Chatham.
•   Flooding of the river flats is expected all along the river.
•   The Thames River and the outlets of its tributaries will rise and flood the adjacent floodplains as flows route through the river.
•   Bridge closures in Elgin and Middlesex Counties are possible given expected flows on the Thames River.
•   The LTVCA expects to operate the Sixth Street Dam and Pump Station in the City of Chatham in order to prevent the Thames River from flooding the south side of Chatham.
•   Basement flooding of businesses along King Street in downtown Chatham is expected.
•   Flooding of Simcoe Lane, the south side of Thames Street, and Thames Grove Conservation Area in the City of Chatham is likely.
•   Flooding of Siskind Court in the City of Chatham is possible.
•   Flooding in Thamesville is NOT expected.
•   Flooding in Lighthouse Cove is NOT expected.

Message:

In the LTVCA’s watershed, up to 55 mm of rainfall was received between Friday evening and early Sunday. Some areas may have received more rainfall given isolated thunderstorms which were present. As such, ditches, creeks, and the Thames River are rising. Late last night, the LTVCA had to close the Rivard Dam on the outskirts of the City of Chatham to protect the south side of Chatham from flooding. The closure of the dam allows us to divert all of the McGregor Creek flood water around the City rather than combining with Indian Creek’s flood water and flooding south Chatham.

In the Upper Thames River watershed, rain gauges recorded between 50 and 100 mm of rainfall. As such, Thames River flows coming out of London are expected to be high and to peak this afternoon. As the peak works its way through the system, it is expected to cause flooding in flood flats and in low-lying areas adjacent to the river and its associated tributaries. The river is currently expected to peak Monday afternoon in Dutton, Wednesday morning in Thamesville, and late Wednesday night in Chatham.

River flows in Elgin and Middlesex Counties may result in road and bridge closures. The counties, municipalities, and residents in that area should prepare for possible bridge closures over the next couple of days as the water moves downstream. In Chatham-Kent, flooding in Thamesville is not expected but the river in Chatham is expected to rise approximately 3.0 m (10’) above normal. The LTVCA expects flooding of basements of businesses along King Street in the downtown core. It may also result in flooding of Siskind Court, the south side of Thames Street, and Thames Grove Conservation Area in Chatham. Downstream of Chatham, flood waters are expected to drop fairly quickly and are not expected to be a problem in Lighthouse Cove.

The LTVCA is preparing to operate the Sixth Street Dam at the mouth of McGregor Creek in downtown Chatham. When required, the dam will be closed and the pumps will be activated to prevent the Thames River from flooding the south side of the City of Chatham. This is expected to help prevent and/or reduce flooding of basements in the area of John Street and Mercer Street as well as flooding of Tissiman Avenue.

High water levels can be expected to persist into late next week for areas through Chatham-Kent.

Residents with properties that back onto watercourses and the river should secure their properties and remove any items that could be damaged by flooding or get loose and become floating debris. Attempts should also be made to ensure that catch basins and other drainage works are free of debris and can function properly.

The public 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 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 16 January 2020.