Date: 2:00 P.M., Friday, June 26, 2015

Issued to: Municipal Flood Coordinators of Municipalities, Media

Issued by: Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority

The lower Thames River watershed hasn’t seen any significant rainfall for three days now.  The watershed is starting to dry up a bit but the ground still has very little capacity to absorb any new rainfall.  Weather forecasts are calling for 20 – 40 mm from this evening through Sunday morning with the majority of it falling tomorrow.  Winds out of the east are expected to raise water levels in the western basin of Lake Erie and increase wave action along the shoreline areas.

Localized flooding could occur in low lying areas and water levels on small local watercourse could be expected to rise.  However, this amount of rainfall is not anticipated to have a significant impact on water levels in the Thames River, nor does the Conservation Authority expect to have to operate any of its flood control infrastructure.

Water levels are expected to rise along the Lake Erie shoreline and increased wave activity can be expected along the shoreline in Chatham-Kent.  In the Wheatley area, the storm surge is predicted to increase water levels by as much as 1.6 m.  While this height isn’t expected to cause any direct flooding, some areas may be affected by spray from waves crashing against the shoreline protection.  Shoreline areas vulnerable to erosion may also be affected.

People should be caution and avoid areas of flooding.  Children, pets and livestock should be kept away from the water.  Slippery and muddy banks can also be hazardous.

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 29th unless revised.