Highlights:

• Special Weather Statement has been issued by Environment Canada calling for heavy rains and local rainfall amounts of 20 to 40 mm.
• Risk of ponding and localized flooding due to the rain, throughout the watershed, especially in low lying areas.
• Smaller local watercourses would rise and some may spill their banks.

Message:

A Special Weather Statement is in effect from Environment Canada, which is calling for heavy rains with local rainfall amounts of 20 to 40 mm. Forecasts are calling for most of the rain to fall Sunday evening and overnight. The Thames River and many smaller local watercourses had risen over the last few days due to melting snow but water levels are now falling. It appears that most of the snow has now melted out of the lower Thames watershed. However, any remaining snow is likely to melt with the warm temperatures and rain and adding to any flooding that might occur. The Special Weather Statement also advises about strong damaging winds and a separate message regarding shoreline conditions has been issued.

The amount of rain in the forecast is likely to cause ponding and localized flooding throughout the watershed, especially in low lying areas. At this time of the year, our smaller local watercourses tend to respond more quickly to rainfall and require less rain to reach bank full conditions. The amount of rain in the forecast will cause smaller local watercourses to rise and some may spill their banks into low-lying floodplain areas. Should the Chatham-Kent area receive the predicted rainfall amounts, the Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority would expect to operate the McGregor Creek Diversion Channel to prevent flooding in the south end of the city of Chatham. Its still too early to predict potential impacts of this event on the Thames River itself.

Residents are advised to check their properties for potential drainages issue and to clear catch basins and storm sewer inlets of leaves and other debris in order to help reduce localized flooding.

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

Officials will continue to monitor the situation and update this advisory

This message will be in effect until November 8, 2021.

Message Contact: Jason Wintermute ([email protected])