Highlights:

• A Special Weather Statement has been issued by ECCC due to rain and thunderstorms in the forecast.
• Forecasts of 30-50 mm of rain, overnight through Wednesday morning, with localized higher amounts possible from thunderstorms.
• Additional rain in the forecast later Wednesday and Thursday.
• Areas of ponding, standing water, and localized flooding could be expected around the region.
• Watercourses could rise and some could spill their banks into adjacent low-lying areas.

Message:

A Special Weather Statement has been issued by Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) due to the potential for significant rain overnight into Wednesday morning. ECCC suggests the region could see 30 to 50 mm of rain during this period, with locally higher amounts possible due to thunderstorms. There is still some uncertainty in the forecast regarding the track of the weather system and the amount of rain any thunderstorms may bring. Forecasts suggest that there could be more rain later on Wednesday and Thursday. Those forecasts suggest there could be an additional 15 to 25 mm of rain and the potential for additional thunderstorms. Given the recent rain and the lack of ground cover at this time of the year, much of this rain would be expected to run off into the region’s watercourses.

Thunderstorms and heavy rains could lead to ponding, standing water, and localized flooding. Based on the forecasted amount of rain, smaller watercourses in the region should be expected to rise, and some may spill their banks into adjacent low-lying areas. If the forecasted rainfall amounts appear, the LTVCA would expect to operate the McGregor Creek Diversion Channel in Chatham.

While the Thames River would likely respond to the rain, it is too early to tell whether the rain would have a significant impact on water levels in the Thames River.

People should take extra caution and avoid local waterways that are running high. 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 as necessary.

This message will be in effect until April 18th.

Contact: Jason Wintermute ([email protected])