Highlights:

• Lower Thames watershed has seen between 40 and 55 mm of rain over the last 36 hours
• Areas of ponding, standing water and localized flooding still seen around the watershed.
• Smaller watercourses have now peaked throughout most of the watershed and will slowly drop over the next 24 hours.
• Thames River will rise and could flood low lying areas adjacent to the river. Significant flooding not expected.

Message:

Over the last 36 hours, the Lower Thames watershed has seen rainfall totals between 40 and 55 mm. Many of the regions smaller watercourses rose up and spilled their banks into nearby low-lying areas. Areas of ponding, standing water and and localized flooding can still be seen throughout the watershed. Some weather forecasts suggest there could be up to 10 mm of additional rainfall tomorrow.

Most of the smaller watercourses, ditches, and streams around the watershed have now peaked. Due to the large amount of rainfall received, water levels should be expected to drop slowing over the next 24 hours. Any additional rainfall tomorrow would keep water levels high. The McGregor Creek Diversion Channel at Chatham is currently operating.

The Thames River has already been rising due to the rains. Water levels on the river are expected to peak later today in upstream areas and that water will work its way downstream through the rest of the week. Excess water draining from local tributaries could add to river levels as the peak moves downstream. Water levels on the lower Thames River are now expected to be slightly higher than those seen during the last event in mid-December. Water levels on the river should be expected to rise up and flood low lying areas adjacent to the Thames River from Delaware down to Chatham. These low lying areas would be those areas adjacent to the Thames River that typically see flooding during small spring-type events. The sidewalk along the river in downstream Chatham should be expected to flood over. Significant flooding from the river is not expected.

People should pay attention around waterways and avoid the river as well as ditches and streams. The combination of slippery banks and fast-flowing cold water can be dangerous. Standing water can present its own unseen hazards. Children and animals 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 January 3, 2025.

Contact: Jason Wintermute ([email protected])