Highlights:

• A Special Weather Statement has been issued by ECCC due to heavy rain in the forecast
• Forecasts of 25 to 50 mm of rain beginning overnight and lasting though Saturday.
• Areas of ponding, standing water, and localized flooding could be expected around the region.
• Smaller 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 heavy rains in the forecast. Rain is expected to begin overnight tonight and could last into the overnight period tomorrow. Forecasts are calling for 25 to 50 mm of rain in total, with slightly higher amounts in the western end of the watershed.

This amount of rain could cause ponding, standing water, and localized flooding in some areas. Smaller watercourses around the region should be expected to rise and some could spill their banks into nearby low-lying areas. If the higher amounts of forecasted rain appear, the LTVCA would expect to have to operate the McGregor Creek Diversion Channel in Chatham.

Based on the current forecasts, the Thames River is expected to rise somewhat in response to the heavy rains. However, the river is not expected to reach bank full conditions, nor to flood the low-lying river flats adjacent to the river.

People should take extra caution and avoid the river, ditches, and stream that are running high. The combination of slippery banks and fast-moving 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 the evening of May 25th.

Contact: Jason Wintermute ([email protected])