Highlights:

• Watershed did not receive as much rain as forecast.
• Water levels on smaller local watercourses now dropping.
• Along the lower Thames River, only the most low-lying areas of the river flats should see flooding
• People should still exercise caution around the river.

Message:

The weather system that passed though the region last Friday evening into Saturday morning did not drop as much rain as forecast. It appears that most of the watershed received slightly less than 20 mm of rain. There are no significant amounts of rain in the forecast until Thursday.

Water levels on our smaller local watercourses are now dropping. The LTVCA did not have to operate the McGregor Creek Diversion Channel yesterday.

Thames River water levels peaked at Byron this morning. Over the next few days the peak will work its way downstream. Since the watershed did not get as much rain as predicted, the river did not rise as high as expected. Along the lower Thames River, only the most low-lying areas of the river flats should see any flooding. In the City of Chatham, the river may rise up and flood over the sidewalk in the downtown. Unfortunately, vandals have damaged the water level gauge for the Thames River in the City of Chatham, which will make tracking such low-level flooding difficult until it can get repaired.

People should take caution and avoid the river, ditches, and streams. The combination of slippery banks, fast-moving cold water and debris in the river can be dangerous. Standing water can also present unseen hazards. Children and animals should be kept away from the water.

This message will be in effect until December 16.

Message Contact: Jason Wintermute ([email protected])