Highlights:
- Water levels are now dropping on the Thames River upstream of Chatham.
- Thames River peaked near Dutton at around noon on Wednesday and is currently peaking in Chatham.
- A small ice jam has formed at the mouth at Lighthouse Cove, raising water levels in the area.
- Downstream areas should begin to see water levels fall this evening and overnight.
Message:
A warm and wet weather system passed through the region last Sunday. This caused water levels to rise on the Thames River. Water levels have already peaked in areas upstream of Chatham and are now falling. Water levels on the Thames River peaked near Dutton at around noon on Wednesday and are now peaking in the city of Chatham.
While the warm temperatures and rain had cleared out most of the river ice, including around the mouth at Lighthouse Cove, there were still some areas with ice upstream of Chatham earlier in the week. This ice has now moved downstream and, together with some newly formed ice due to freezing temperatures, has created a small ice jam at the mouth of the Thames River at Lighthouse Cove. The ice jam has caused elevated water levels on the river downstream around the mouth of the river. Broken up ice has also accumulated in the river from the mouth upstream past Prairie Siding.
Now that the river has peaked in Chatham, we should see water levels begin to fall this evening in the city. Areas downstream of the city should also see water levels fall this evening and overnight. The ice jam at the mouth is expected to remain in place as water levels drop.
People should take extra caution and avoid the river, ditches, and streams. The combination of slippery banks and fast-moving cold water can be dangerous. Any ice on the river should be considered unstable and dangerous at this time. Children and pets and livestock should be kept away from the water.
Officials will continue to monitor the situation and update this advisory if necessary.
This message will be in effect until January 4, 2026.
Contact: Jason Wintermute ([email protected])