Highlights:

• Rain totals between 15 and 25 mm already with a few more mm still in the forecast.
• Water levels on smaller local watercourses have responded quickly.
• Local watercourses have risen and some have spilled their banks.
• Localized flooding.

Message:

The rain which began overnight last night has already dropped between 15 and 25 mm of rain throughout much of the lower Thames River watershed. Some areas may have received even more due to localized rain. There are still a few more millimetres of rain predicted in the forecasts.

Smaller local watercourses, creeks and ditches, have responded rapidly to the rain from this afternoon. These smaller local watercourses have risen and some have already spilled their banks into low-lying adjacent floodplain areas. Some watercourses could be expected to continue rising into tomorrow morning. Water levels on McGregor Creek in Chatham-Kent have already risen high enough that the McGregor Creek Diversion Channel is now operating to protect the south end of the city of Chatham from flooding. Localized ponding and flooding have also been observed due to the rain.

Water levels on the Thames River had been dropping from the rains earlier in the week, but are starting to climb again. The watershed upstream of London appears to not have received as much rain as downstream. Due to local water from the lower watershed making its way to the river, water levels on the Thames could be expected to rise again perhaps as high as was observed earlier in the week. The sidewalk along the river in downtown Chatham could be expected to flood over.

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 October 31, 2021.

Message Contact: Jason Wintermute ([email protected])