Highlights:

• Significant rainfall Friday and Saturday have led to high water levels.
• Smaller local watercourses have now peaked and are dropping.
• Thames River water levels in London peaked overnight, are expected to peak around Dutton during the day tomorrow, around Thamesville on Tuesday, and in Chatham Tuesday overnight into Wednesday.
• Weather forecasts calling for 15 to 25 mm additional rainfall overnight Monday into Tuesday and an additional 10 to 20 mm on Wednesday.
• Thames River will continue to rise and flood the river flat from Delaware down to Chatham.
• Possibility of flooding the basement of the businesses along King St. in downtown Chatham on Tuesday

Message:

Thunderstorms passed through the region late Friday and Saturday dropped a significant amount of rain on the Thames River watershed. Water levels on the smaller watercourses have now peaked from that rainfall and are dropping. The Thames River also rose and peaked last night in London. Weather forecasts are calling for more rain, with 10 to 20 mm predicted for Monday overnight into Tuesday and an additional 10 to 15 mm on Wednesday.

While smaller watercourses have begun to drop, those watercourses tributary to the Thames River may see water levels rise in their downstream areas near the Thames River as the peak works its way downstream.

Over the next few days, the peak Thames River flows leaving the upper Thames watershed will work their way downstream. Water levels on the river are expected to peak around Dutton during the day tomorrow, around Thamesville on Tuesday, and in Chatham Tuesday overnight into Wednesday. River levels are already high enough that flooding is occurring in the low-lying, mostly agricultural, river flats adjacent to the river from Delaware down to Chatham. As the peak works it way downstream, river levels will continue to rise but are not expected to flood the upper tablelands. As the peak reaches Chatham, it is possible that water levels will be high enough that the LTVCA will need to operate the 6th Street Backwater Dam and Pumping Station. There could also be flooding of the basements of the businesses along King Street that back onto the river in downtown Chatham. There is considerable uncertainty in the forecasts due to the predicted rain on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday as the peak arrives in Chatham. However, businesses and residents in this stretch should be prepared for possible flooding on Tuesday.

The LTVCA will be closely monitoring water levels, how much rain falls, its impacts, and any required infrastructure operations.

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. Children, pets and livestock should be kept away from the water.

As water levels rise, 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 April 6th, 2023.

Message Contact: Jason Wintermute ([email protected])