Highlights:

• Weekend rain could result in localized flooding along municipal drains and watercourses.
• The Indian-McGregor Creek Diversion Channel will likely be utilized in diverting floodwaters around the City of Chatham.
• The Thames River will rise and flood the adjacent floodplains as flows route through the river.
• Basement flooding of businesses along King Street in downtown Chatham is possible next week.
• Flooding of Siskind Court, Pegley Court, Simcoe Lane, Thames Street, Salter Street, Thomas Street, and Thames Grove Conservation Area in the City of Chatham is possible next week.
• Operation of the Sixth Street Dam and Pump Station in the City of Chatham is possible next week.

Message:

In the LTVCA’s watershed, weather forecasts are currently predicting up to 55 mm of rainfall starting Friday evening and ending late on Saturday. Environment Canada’s Rainfall Warning states that the total rainfall may be up to 75 mm in some areas if isolated thunderstorms materialize overnight tonight. If those volumes are realized and distributed over this short time period, flooding is expected along local watercourses and municipal drains. There is a good chance that the LTVCA may have to close the Rivard Dam on Sunday or Monday and divert floodwaters from the McGregor Creek watershed around the City of Chatham. LTVCA staff will be monitoring the situation and act accordingly to protect the south side of the City of Chatham from flooding.

Higher volumes of rainfall are currently forecast for the upper Thames River watershed (up to 95 mm). If those volumes are realized over a short time span, flooding along the Thames River flood flats will be observed heading into next week. Drains and creeks may top their banks and flood adjacent lands and flood flats during the event. The flows coming through the City of Chatham mid- to late next week are expected to be high enough to flood low-lying lands and streets adjacent to the river. Residents and owners on Siskind Court, Pegley Court, Simcoe Lane, Thames Street, Salter Street, Thomas Street, and near the Thames Grove Conservation Area in the City of Chatham should continue to pay attention to updates to the flood advisory as flooding of these areas is possible.

If the rainfall volumes are realized during this event, LTVCA staff are prepared to close the Sixth Street Dam and operate the pump station to keep the Thames River from backing up and flooding the south side of the City of Chatham.

The public 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 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 14 January 2020.