Highlights:

• Thunderstorms last night dropped an additional 10-20 mm of rain on an already wet watershed.
• Areas of ponding, standing water and localized flooding seen around the watershed.
• Smaller watercourses and drainage ditches expected to rise, with some already flooding low-lying areas
• Thames River expected to rise and flood low-lying areas in the LTVCA, beginning on Sunday.

Message:

A warm weather system has moved into the region bringing unseasonably warm temperatures and rain. The watershed received 10-20 mm of rain on Thursday, which was followed up last night by an additional 10-20 mm of rain as thunderstorms passed through the region. Weather radar shows another system moving into the region late this morning that will bring additional rain and thunderstorms. An additional 10-20 mm could be seen today. While most of the snow has already melted out of the lower Thames River watershed, there is still a significant snowpack in the upper watershed which is expected to melt away with the warm temperatures and rain, adding to flows on the Thames River. There is additional rain in the forecast for Tuesday and Wednesday.

Due to the rains over the last three days, the watershed is seeing areas of ponding, standing water, and localized flooding. Smaller watercourses in the region have risen and some have spilled their banks into adjacent low-lying areas. Some of these watercourses and drainage ditches are still filled in with snow and ice, which can block flows causing localized flooding. The rain expected today will cause watercourses to rise even further and additional localized flooding could be seen. The LTVCA is currently operating the McGregor Creek Diversion Channel in Chatham.

The Thames River will also rise due to the rain and melting snow. The river is expected to rise and flood the low-lying areas adjacent to the river, from Delaware down to Thamesville. In Chatham, the LTVCA now expects to have to operate the 6th St. Dam and Pumping Station. Peak water levels are expected to arrive in the lower Thames River on Sunday and to work their way downstream over the next few days, arriving in the Chatham area early next week. Water levels on the river should be expected to remain elevated well into next week. An additional update will be required once the total amount of rainfall and snowmelt from the upper watershed is known.

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 its own unseen hazards. People should stay out of any flooded areas and not drive through flooded roadways. Children, pets, and livestock should be kept away from the water. It is not safe to take shelter along riverbanks or in low lying areas that are prone to flooding.

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

This message will be in effect until March 10th.

Contact: Jason Wintermute ([email protected])