Highlights:

• Thunderstorms passing through the region today have dropped significant amounts of rain.
• The area between Ridgetown and Blenheim, and the First Nation communities west of London, may have received over 100 mm of rain.
• Local watercourses are rising rapidly and may spill their banks causing flooding in low lying areas.

Message:

A series of thunderstorms passed through the region today dropping significant amounts of rain. Most of the Chatham-Kent area received well over an inch of rain. Radar suggests some areas of the Rondeau Bay and McGregor Creek watersheds between Ridgetown and Blenheim may have received over 100 mm in total accumulated rainfall over the course of the day. Areas in Middlesex County from London through Strathroy-Caradaoc also received well over and inch of rain. Radar suggests that the First Nation communities (Oneida Nation of the Thames, Chippewas of the Thames First Nation, and Munsee-Delaware Nation) just west of London may also have received over 100 mm of rain. A significant amount of that rainfall came down this evening. In addition to this rainfall, forecasts for tomorrow are also calling for more thunderstorms.

The very large amounts of rain are already likely to have caused ponding and localized flooding in low lying areas. On the region’s ditches, creeks and streams, water levels have responded quickly. In areas that received higher rainfall amounts, some watercourses may have already reached bank full conditions or spilled out into their floodplains. People living and working near areas that typically see flooding during heavy rains should pay close attention to local conditions. Water levels on these local watercourses should be expected to remain high all day Monday, especially should more thunderstorms appear.

There was sufficient rain and McGregor Creek is rising fast enough that the LTVCA expects to be operating the McGregor Creek Diversion Channel overnight so that these high flows bypass the city of Chatham.

The Rondeau Bay area is also highly susceptible at this time. Due to the high lake levels, rainwater is not draining properly from these areas. The additional water coming down the ditches and creeks into the bay area has the potential to cause further flooding in those communities on Rondeau Bay.

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.

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

This message will be in effect until July 30, 2019.

Message Contact: LTVCA Administration Office (519-354-7310) or Jason Wintermute ([email protected])