Highlights:

• Over the last 24 hrs a weather system moved through the region with reports of rainfall totals between 20 and 115 mm, the majority of this overnight.
• Forecast are calling for around 5 mm more rain today, with a possibility of thundershowers that could drop more.
• Local watercourses have risen rapidly in response to the rain overnight and some have already reached bank full conditions or spilled their banks.
• The LTVCA is monitoring water levels and may need to operate the McGregor Creek Diversion Channel this afternoon.

Message:

Over the last 24 hrs a weather system moved through the region with reports of rainfall totals between 20 and 115 mm across the watershed. The watershed could have easily handled the rain that fell during the day yesterday, but most of this fell overnight. Generally, the lower rainfall amounts occurred in the southwest with increasing amounts moving north and east. Forecasts are only calling for around 5 mm of additional rain today, but there is the possibility of thundershowers as well which could drop more rain in affected areas.

The heavy rains have caused ponding and localized flooding. Local watercourses have risen rapidly in response to the heavy rains overnight. Some watercourses have already reached bank full conditions or spilled their banks into adjacent low-lying floodplain areas. Many watercourses are still rising. McGregor Creek is still rising rapidly and the LTVCA is monitoring water levels as the McGregor Creek Diversion Channel may need to be operated this afternoon in order to protect the city of Chatham. Water levels on the Thames River are not expected to rise up enough to cause flooding. The small amounts of rain predicted for today should not significantly impact water levels, unless thundershowers drop significantly more.

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 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 June 27, 2021.

Message Contact: Jason Wintermute ([email protected])