Highlights:

• Most of the lower Thames River watershed received around 35 to 50 mm of rain over the last 2 days.
• Areas of ponding, standing water and localized flooding seen around the watershed.
• Many of the region’s smaller watercourse have reached bank full or spilled their banks into adjacent low-lying areas. These watercourses should be peaking this afternoon and begin to fall.
• Thames River will continue to rise and flood the low-lying river flats from Delaware down to Chatham.
• Forecasts calling for 35-40 mm of rain Friday night and Saturday.
• Any rain will add to the current flood’s peak as it reaches Chatham-Kent. Water levels in Chatham-Kent could be similar to what was seen in 2018.

Message:

Over the last couple of days, the lower Thames River watershed has seen around 35 to 50 mm of rain. Some areas saw higher amounts due to thunderstorm activity. Water levels around the watershed have risen rapidly. Forecasts for Friday night and Saturday are calling for an additional 35-40 mm of rain, which would add to the water already in the system and increase flooding.

The watershed is still seeing areas of ponding, standing water and localized flooding. Many of the region’s smaller watercourse that drain into the Thames River, or directly into the lakes, have seen the water reach top of bank or spilled their banks into adjacent low-lying areas. These watercourses should be peaking this afternoon and water levels should begin to fall. However, the additional rain forecast for Friday night and Saturday will boost water levels again. Depending on how much rain falls, the water levels could rise just as high or even higher than what was seen today. Water levels should be expected to remain high into early next week. The McGregor Creek Diversion Channel in Chatham is currently diverting McGregor Creek flows around the city.

The Thames River continues to rise in response to the recent rains. Water levels in London are expected to peak in London this evening. The rainfall already seen will cause the river to rise and flood the low-lying river flats adjacent to the river from Delaware down to Chatham. The additional rain forecast for Friday night and Saturday will boost water levels further.

Some of the bridge crossings that span the Thames River in the more downstream areas of Elgin/Middlesex into Chatham-Kent could be impacted, depending on how much rain falls, and its timing.

At Thamesville, peak water levels on the river caused by the recent rains are expected to arrive about the same time as the Friday/Saturday rains. With the Thames River already high, the creeks that run through the community will have issues draining the rain away. Again, depending on how much rain falls, and its timing, there could be flooding in Thamesville from the creeks or from the Thames River. Water levels could be similar to those seen during the February 2018 flood.

In Chatham, the LTVCA expects to have to operate the 6th St. Dam. The sidewalk along the river in the downtown is already flooded over. Depending on how much rain falls, and its timing, Chatham could see water levels similar to those seen during the February 2018 flood. This would include potential flooding of the basements along King St. that back onto the river, Siskind Court, William Street near Water, Salter Street, Thames Street around Pitt and Kent, and Pegley Court. If there is excessive rain, and the flood control infrastructure for south Chatham can’t keep up, there could be flooding on streets near Indian Creek in south Chatham, and upstream of the 6th St. Dam.

As previously mentioned, much of this potential flooding depends on how much rain arrives on Friday night and Saturday. Unfortunately, there will not be much time to respond between when the rain falls and any potential flooding it produces.

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

Contact your municipality if flooding is observed.

 

For Residents of Chatham-Kent

The Municipality of Chatham-Kent has recently brought a new Emergency Alert Service online called CKAlert.

Chatham-Kent residents can sign up at  www.CKAlert.ca to receive notifications should a flooding emergency take place. Unlike the Federal Alert Ready system, residents will not receive notifications unless they sign up.

This Emergency Alert Service will only be used in the event of a flood-related emergency situation, and will not replace the regular flood watch notifications provided by the LTVCA.

Sign up today to receive updates immediately when an emergency takes place, via text, email or phone call, in order to make informed decisions to stay safe.

 

 

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

This message will be in effect until April 8th, 2025.

Contact: Jason Wintermute ([email protected])