Highlights:

• Environment Canada has issued Severe Thunderstorm Watches for the LTVCA watershed area.
• Additional thunderstorms are likely this afternoon and this evening, with possibly more tomorrow.
• Some areas of the watershed have seen substantial rain since yesterday morning.
• Ponding, standing water, and localized flooding could be expected around the watershed.
• Smaller watercourses could rise and some could spill their banks into adjacent low-lying areas.

Message:

Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) continues to have Yellow Severe Thunderstorm Watches in effect for the LTVCA watershed area. Thunderstorms are likely to appear in the region this afternoon or this evening. Forecasts also suggest there is the possibility of additional thunderstorms tomorrow. Some areas of the watershed have seen substantial rain since yesterday afternoon. Most of the watershed saw between 25 and 50 mm. However, some areas of Chatham-Kent saw less, while other areas around Dutton-Dunwich and Southwold saw more than 75 mm. The ground is saturated and will not be able to absorb much additional rain from thunderstorms. In addition to the rain, there is a risk of high winds and hail.

Areas of ponding, standing water and localized flooding could be expected around the watershed. Smaller watercourses, ditches and streams could also be expected to rise, and some may spill their banks into adjacent low-lying areas. The Talbot Creek watershed and other smaller watercourses in the Southwold and Dutton Dunwich area would be at even higher risk due to the excessive recent rains.

The Thames River is currently running higher than usual for this time of the year. The Upper Thames River Conservation Authority issued a message earlier this week noting that the upper watershed is fairly saturated from recent rains. The Thames River is likely to respond quickly and rise with any additional rain. However, flooding from the Thames River is not expected at this time.

People should take extra caution and avoid local waterways that are running high. The combination of slippery banks and fast-moving water can be 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 September 6th.

Contact: Jason Wintermute ([email protected])