Less rain than expected in most areas of the Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority’s jurisdiction should prevent the Thames River from affecting Chatham, the organization’s watershed manager has said.
Jason Wintermute said most parts of the watershed received between 20 millimeters and 30 millimeters of rainfall by Tuesday afternoon, though parts of Middlesex County measured closer to the maximum of 50 millimeters predicted the day earlier.
“Now that things are starting to grow, the watershed can take up quite a bit more rain than in the winter. It has also been fairly dry recently,” he said in an email Tuesday.
“As a result, there just wasn’t enough rain to really cause issues for most of our watershed. Even with that rain London had around noon, there just wasn’t enough rain overall to cause the (Thames) River to rise up and affect Chatham.”
Environment and Climate Change Canada issued a Special Weather Statement Monday. As a result, the Lower Thames put out a flood outlook, which is in effect until Wednesday.
At the time, rainfall was predicted in the 20-millimeter to 50-millimeter range.
The flood message noted the watershed should have been able to handle the rainfall if the lower amount occurred.
The statement from the authority said people should be cautious and avoid the Thames River, ditches and streams. Standing water could also have “unseen hazards,” the message said.
Children, pets and livestock should also avoid the water.