Date: 10:30 A.M., Monday, June 15, 2015
Issued to: Municipal Flood Coordinators of Municipalities, Media
Issued by: Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority
Over the last 48 hours the lower Thames River watershed has seen severe thunderstorm activity and received rainfall amounts between 5 mm and 40 mm varying across the watershed. Between 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. yesterday afternoon some parts of the McGregor Creek watershed and parts of the City of Chatham received between 15 mm and 30 mm of rainfall. That thunderstorm activity seems to have been localized and not representative of what the watershed received as a whole. Rainfall forecasts had been calling for an additional 5-10+ mm before this morning but that rainfall never appeared. As a result, water levels have not risen as high overnight as expected and the Conservation Authority did not need to operate the Indian-McGregor Creek Diversion Channel.
However, weather forecasts are calling for an additional 10-20 mm this evening and overnight. Conditions in the local watershed have not dried out sufficiently from the rainfall earlier this week and the ground has little capacity to absorb any more. Localized flooding can occur with the heavy rains still predicted to come. Local watercourses could rise and spill their banks. These rainfall events are not expected to impact Thames River water levels significantly.
People should take extra caution and avoid the river, ditches, and streams as well as areas of standing water. A combination of slippery banks and fast moving water is particularly dangerous, as can be unknown hazards under standing water. People should keep their pets and farmers keep their livestock away from the water. Parents should pay special attention to keep their children away from the water.
The Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority will continue to monitor conditions and will issue additional messages as required.
Contact: Jason Wintermute (519-354-7310 x227) regarding this message.
This message will be in effect until June 17th unless revised.