Note: Potential for Flooding behind King St. in Chatham.
Date: 10:00 A.M., Monday, March 28th, 2016
Issued to: Municipal Flood Coordinators of Municipalities, Media
Issued by: Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority
Overnight the Lower Thames watershed received around 20 mm of rainfall. The ground was already saturated from rainfall late last week and had little capacity to absorb the rainfall. Wind patterns have now shifted and additional unexpected rainfall is occurring over the Chatham area.
Smaller local watercourses around the region have risen with some spilling their banks. The Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority is operating the Indian-McGregor Creek Diversion Channel.
The Thames River peaked at Thamesville around 8:00 p.m. yesterday and Chatham peaked at around 5:00 a.m. this morning. However, with this additional rainfall, water levels in Chatham have begun to rise further. Those upstream of Chatham can expect to see water levels rise back up above those seen over the past few days, but still remain within the river flats.
In the City of Chatham, water levels have started to rise further due to the additional local rainfall. With the rain ongoing, there is a lot of uncertainty how far water levels may still rise. The LTVCA is preparing for operation of the 6th Street Dam. People with vehicles parked along the river behind King St. should be prepared to move them and those business along King St. that experience basement flooding during these types of events should take precautions and move items to a higher elevation.
People should take extra caution and avoid the river, ditches, streams, and ponds. The combination of slippery banks and fast moving cold water can be dangerous Standing water can also present its own unseen hazards. Children, pets and livestock should be kept away from the water.
Officials will continue to monitor the situation very closely and update this advisory if necessary.
This message will be in effect until March 30th, 2016.
Contact: Jason Wintermute ([email protected],) 519-354-7310 x227) regarding this message.