Highlights:

• Forecasts calling for 15 to 30 mm of rain in total for Friday and Saturday, with most falling on Friday.
• Areas of ponding, standing water and localized flooding could be seen around the watershed.
• Smaller local watercourses will rise and some could spill their banks.
• Thames River is still higher than usual, but is not expected to rise higher than seen last weekend.

Message:

Weather forecasts are calling for rain today (Friday) extending through Saturday. Various forecasts are calling for two-day rainfall totals ranging from 15 to 30 mm in the lower Thames watershed, with most of it falling today. Rain has already begun in the region with some areas already seeing over 5 mm of rain.

Warm temperatures and melting snow last week had caused the Thames River to rise. Further melting and light rains have kept the river higher than usual and water levels on the river have not yet fallen back to normal.

The amount of rain in the forecasts could create ponding, areas of standing water and localized flooding. This rain will also cause our smaller local watercourses to rise and some could spill their banks. Due to higher than usual river levels, 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. If the higher rainfall amounts appear, the LTVCA may need to operate the McGregor Creek Diversion Channel at Chatham and is prepared to do so.

The Thames River will rise as well in response to the rain. However, with most of the snow now gone from the upper watershed, the river is not expected to respond like it did earlier in the month. Water levels on the Thames River should remain below those seen last weekend, but should still be expected to remain higher than usual throughout the weekend and into early 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 2nd, 2023.

Contact: Jason Wintermute ([email protected])