Highlights:

• Thunderstorms overnight brought more rain than initially forecast.
• Total rain for Friday and this morning was between 30 and 60 mm for most gauges around the Thames watershed.
• Areas of ponding, standing water and localized flooding seen around the watershed.
• Local watercourses have risen and some have spilled their banks. Others to continue rising throughout the day.
• Thames River will rise and flood the low-lying river flats adjacent to the river from Delaware down to Chatham.

Message:

Thunderstorms passed through the region late last evening and overnight bringing significantly more rain than was initially forecast. Total rainfall for Friday and this morning was quite varied, but most rain gauges around the Thames River watershed saw between 30 and 60 mm of rain. Weather forecasts are only calling for a few more millimeters of rain, but there is still a risk of thundershowers in the forecast for today. Temperatures are predicted to drop beneath freezing overnight.

Due to the heavy rains, areas of ponding, standing water and localized flooding can be seen around the watershed. Smaller local watercourses have risen and some have spilled their banks. Some other watercourses should still be expected to rise throughout the day. Since the Thames River was already higher than usual, watercourses tributary to the Thames River could have a difficult time draining the water away. Even higher than usual water levels should be expected in downstream areas near the river. The McGregor Creek Diversion Channel at Chatham is now operating to divert high flows around the city.

The Thames River in London has already risen higher than had been seen earlier this month. As flows work their way downstream over the weekend and into early next week, it will flood the low-lying river flats adjacent to the river from Delaware down to Chatham. Flooding of the upper tablelands is not expected. High water levels on the Thames River should be expected into the middle of next week.

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. As water levels rise, it is not safe to take shelter along riverbanks or in low-lying areas that are prone to flooding.

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

This message will be in effect until April 5th, 2023.

Contact: Jason Wintermute ([email protected])