Expect high Thames River levels to continue until the weekend and cause basement flooding along Chatham’s King Street Tuesday, the Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority warns.
“Water levels on the Thames River are already high enough that flooding is occurring in the low-lying, mostly agricultural, river flats adjacent to the river from Delaware down to Chatham,” the authority said in flood warning Tuesday.
More than 30 millimeters of rain fell in some areas overnight Monday into Tuesday, the authority said, and another 10 to 20 mm is possible Wednesday.
Thunderstorms overnight Friday into early Saturday brought more rain than initially forecast with gauges around the watershed showing 30 to 60 mm of rain by Saturday morning.
“These recent rains will keep the river high for several more days. Around Thamesville, water levels on the Thames River are expected to peak during Tuesday,” the authority said. “Water levels in Chatham are still expected to peak overnight into Wednesday.”
The LTVCA is operating the 6th St Dam in downtown Chatham to prevent flooding in the city’s south end.
“Flooding of the bases of the businesses along King Street that back onto the river in downtown Chatham is expected later today (Tuesday),” the authority said. “With these rains and those additional rains forecast for Wednesday, high water levels on the Thames River in downstream areas should be expected to last into the weekend.”
People should take extra caution and avoid the river, ditches and streams because the combination of slippery banks and fast-moving water can be dangerous, the authority advised. Children, pets and livestock should be kept away from the water.
“As water levels rise, it is not safe to take shelter along riverbanks or in low-lying areas that are prone to flooding,” it added.
The LTVCA will monitor the situation and provide updates as necessary.