Highlights:

• Smaller watercourses have peaked, and their water levels are now dropping.
• Water levels on the Thames River in the upper watershed are expected to peak overnight.
• Over the next three days, high water levels will work their way downstream. As they do, they will flood the low-lying areas immediately adjacent to the river.
• Sidewalk along the river in downtown Chatham expected to flood over.

Message:

The warm and wet weather system that passed through the region yesterday produced rainfall amounts in line with forecasts for the Upper Thames River watershed. However, over much of the Lower Thames River watershed, only about half as much rain fell as predicted. Temperatures have now fallen back below the freezing point and are expected to remain freezing for the rest of the week.

Smaller watercourses around the watershed have peaked and their water levels are now dropping. Due to the lower than forecast rainfall amounts, the LTVCA did not have to operate the McGregor Creek Diversion Channel.

The Thames River is still expected to rise as it gathers water runoff from the upper watershed. Water levels on the main branch of the Thames around London are expected to peak overnight. Over the next three days, high water levels will work their way downstream. As they do, they will flood the low-lying areas immediately adjacent to the river from Delaware down to Thamesville. In the city of Chatham, the sidewalk along the river in the downtown is expected to flood over. It is also possible that Simcoe Lane under the 5th St. Bridge gets flooded. Water levels on the river should be expected to be elevated throughout the week.

Recent observations indicate that almost all of the ice is now gone from the Thames River. The river upstream of Thamesville appears to be ice free other than some lingering amounts stuck to the banks. The river is also essentially ice free from the city of Chatham all the way down to the mouth at Lighthouse Cover. An area around the mouth in Lake St. Clair is also now ice free. At last report, there was still some ice rubble accumulated between Kent Bridge and Communication Road in Chatham. This could elevate water levels in the area as the water will have difficultly passing through. If the ice moves downstream, it could also elevate water levels in the immediate area as it passes down the river. However, given that the rest of the river is open, this ice presents little risk of causing any kind of ice jam related flooding.

People should take extra caution and avoid the river, ditches, and streams. Any remaining ice on these watercourses should be considered unsafe. The combination of slippery banks, unstable ice conditions, 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 January 3rd.

Contact: Jason Wintermute ([email protected])