Conservation authority officials are expecting a rise in river levels due to heavy rain in the forecast Tuesday.
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Between 20 to 35 mm of rain is possible throughout the Lower Thames Valley watershed.
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Although most of the lower Thames watershed is snow-free, there has been recent rain and the ground is fairly wet, stated a release Monday afternoon.
“Also, since it’s winter, there isn’t as much vegetation on the landscape to intercept the rain,” officials said. “As a result, the watershed is likely to respond quickly to the rain which will run off into our ditches, streams and the river.”
The amount of rain in the forecast could create ponding, areas of standing water and localized flooding.
This rain will also cause smaller waterways to rise and some could spill their banks into nearby low-lying areas.
“If the higher rainfall amounts appear, the LTVCA may need to operate the McGregor Creek diversion channel at Chatham and is prepared to do so if necessary,” officials said.
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“The Thames River should also be expected to rise in response to the rain. However, at this time, flooding would not be expected. Only some very low-lying areas adjacent to the river would see water rise up into them. Water levels would then be expected to remain elevated through the rest of the week.”
People should use caution and avoid the river, ditches and streams. The combination of slippery banks and fast-moving cold water can be dangerous. Standing water also can present unseen hazards.
Children, pets and livestock should be kept away from the water. As levels rise, it is not safe to take shelter along riverbanks or in low-lying areas that are prone to flooding.
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