Highlights:

• Rain totals between 60 to 100+ mm.
• Local watercourses have risen and spilled their banks.
• Thames River will rise and flood the river flats from Delaware down to Thamesville, starting this morning in upstream areas.

Message:

The Rainfall Warning issued by Environment Canada has now ended. Since late Tuesday evening, the watershed has received an unusually large amount of rain for this time of the year. In the lower Thames River watershed, much of the west seems to have received between 60 and 70 mm rain in total. The east of the watershed received higher amounts with rainfall totals between 60 and 90 being reported. Isolated areas received substantially more rain. For example, the Glencoe area received over 100 mm of rain and the Municipality of Southwest Middlesex declared an emergency and closed all roads. The upper Thames River watershed received similar amounts of rain to the eastern end of the lower Thames watershed, with areas in the north receiving over 100 mm of rain.

Flows have not yet peaked on the Thames River in London. However, it is already clear that there will be substantial flooding of the river flats from Delaware down to Thamesville. Flooding of the river flats in upstream areas should be expected to being today and work its way downstream over the next couple of days. Water levels on the Thames River should be expected to remain high through the weekend. Agricultural producers who work in the river flats should pay attention, as this level of flooding would be unusual for this time of year. When the high water makes it to Chatham, the sidewalk along the river in the downtown should be expected to flood over.

Many local watercourses have reached bank full conditions or spilled their banks. High water on some watercourses should still be expected over the next couple of days, especially in downstream areas that might be influenced by high water on the Thames River. Water levels on McGregor Creek have nearly peaked and the Diversion Channel did not need to be operated.

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 September 27, 2021.

Message Contact: Jason Wintermute ([email protected])