Highlights:

• Environment Canada has issued Severe Thunderstorm Watches for the LTVCA watershed area.
• Areas in and around Southwold have seen approximately 50 mm of rain earlier this morning.
• Forecasts suggest another 50 mm of rain is possible, with thunderstorm continuing into tomorrow morning
• Ponding, standing water, and localized flooding could be expected around the watershed.
• Smaller watercourses could rise and some could spill their banks into adjacent low-lying areas.

Message:

Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) has issued Severe Thunderstorm Watches for the LTVCA watershed area. Orange Thunderstorm Watches have been issued for the eastern portion of the watershed, with Yellow Thunderstorm Watches in the western potion. The forecasts suggest that the strongest thunderstorms are most likely later this afternoon into the early evening. However, thunderstorms could continue overnight into tomorrow morning. Forecasts suggest that these thunderstorms could produce 50 mm of rain, in addition to high winds and possible hail.

This morning, thunderstorms passing through the eastern portion of the watershed dropped approximately 50 mm of rain in and around Southwold Township. This has made the region more susceptible to flooding from any additional rain the region receives later today and tomorrow from these forecasted thunderstorms. This would include the Talbot Creek watershed and other smaller watercourses in the area that drain towards the Thames River.

Areas of ponding, standing water and localized flooding could be expected around the watershed. Smaller watercourses, ditches and streams could also be expected to rise, and some may spill their banks into adjacent low-lying areas.

The Thames River is currently running higher than usual for this time of the year. The Upper Thames River Conservation Authority issued a message earlier this week noting that the upper watershed is fairly saturated from recent rains. The Thames River is likely to respond quickly and rise with any additional rain. However, flooding from the Thames River is not expected at this time.

People should take extra caution and avoid local waterways 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 September 4th.

Contact: Jason Wintermute ([email protected])