Highlights:

• Thames River water levels peaked in Thamesville overnight and in Chatham around noon.
• Water levels are now dropping throughout the watershed.
• Water levels should be expected to remain high for the next few days, especially through Chatham-Kent.

Message:

A series of weather systems moved through the region over the last week bringing rain and melting most of the snow out of the lower Thames watershed. The Thame River and other smaller watercourses rose in response, flooding those low-lying areas adjacent to the watercourses that traditionally flood during spring freshet events.

Smaller watercourses throughout the watershed have now peaked and their water levels are now dropping. Where these smaller watercourses exit into the Thames River, water levels should be expected to remain high while the Thames Rive remains high. The McGregor Creek Diversion Channel at Chatham is currently in operation and will remain so until the Thames River drops low enough.

The Thames River continues to flood low-lying areas adjacent to the river. Around Dutton, river levels are starting to leave the river flats and are receding back into the river channel. In Chatham-Kent, the Thames River peaked earlier than expected. The Thames River peaked around Thamesville overnight and then in Chatham around noon today. Water levels throughout Chatham-Kent are now slowly dropping. The 6th St. Backwater Dam and Pumping Station in Chatham is expected to be reopened early this evening. Water levels along the river should be expected to remain high for a few more days after the peak passes.

The ice on the Thames River has now flushed out into Lake St. Clair and no longer presents an ice jam risk.

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. Any remaining ice should be considered unstable and 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 and update this advisory as necessary.

This message will be in effect until February 1st.

Message Contact: Jason Wintermute ([email protected])