Both the St. Clair Region Conservation Authority (SCRCA) and the Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority (LTVCA) issued flood watches on Wednesday, June 12.
SCRCA officials say a wet spring, coupled with elevated water levels in the St. Clair River and Lake St. Clair, has resulted in the Sydenham River remaining high throughout the watershed, particularly in Wallaceburg.
“The current forecast (was) calling for approximately 5 to 10 mm of rain (Wednesday night) with an additional 10 to 25 mm overnight into (this) morning,” SCRCA officials say.
“This amount of rainfall has the potential to elevate water levels over banks and into natural floodplain areas, agricultural fields and parks.”
Meteorologists are forecasting an additional 20 to 25 mm later in the week, which may increase flooding in the area, SCRCA officials say.
“High intensity rainfall is possible, especially during thunderstorms,” SCRCA officials stated.
“High amounts of rainfall in a short period of time can lead to increased runoff and flash flooding, particularly in urban areas. Soils already saturated from previous rain events could contribute to ponding and increased runoff into watercourses.”
River banks are expected to be slippery, with possible minor erosion.
Residents are reminded to avoid watercourses and flooded areas due to slippery banks and cold, swift moving water, SCRCA officials say
Children and pets should be kept away from the water.
“The Conservation Authority continues to monitor watershed conditions and will issue advisories to municipalities and media should flood issues arise,” SCRCA officials stated.
“Municipal emergency response staff and road superintendents should monitor local conditions closely.
This flood watch by the SCRCA will remain in effect until Friday, June 14, 2019 unless otherwise updated.
LTVCA officials say a Strong Wind Warning has been issued by Environment Canada due to strong winds in the forecast for both Lake Erie and Lake St. Clair starting last evening and lasting through Saturday.
“Winds between 25 and 40 km/hr with gusts up to 60 km/hr are predicted for this entire period,” LTVCA officials stated.
“(Wednesday) evening southeast winds (were) predicted to rise and approach 30 km//hr with gusts of 45 km/hr. The winds are expected to stay strong and transition through the south and west on Thursday and ending up as northwesterly Thursday afternoon with wind speeds approaching 40 km/hr and gusts of 60 km/hr. On Friday winds are expected to switch back to the southwest and stay strong above 25 km/hr rising again to 35 km/hr with gusts of 50 km/hr on Saturday.”
LTVCA officials say these strong winds will produce water level fluctuations on both Lake Erie and Lake St. Clair.
“On the Lake Erie shoreline, static water levels (i.e. before waves) could rise around 5 cm. On Thursday, when winds are out of the northwest, static water levels in the Lighthouse Cove area and shoreline areas east in Chatham-Kent could see water level rises of around 15 cm. Waves on the Lake Erie could be expected to reach between 1 and 1.25 m in height at times. Waves on Lake St. Clair could be expected to reach 0.5 to 1m at times.”
LTVCA officials added: “Given that water levels have exceeded record highs on both Lake Erie and Lake St. Clair, these further rises in water levels increase the risks and may impact new areas previously not known to be at risk.”
The following shorelines will be at greater risk of flooding and shoreline damage, including: Erie Shore Drive, Rose Beach Line, Wheatley, Rondeau Bay Estates and the high bluff areas along Lake Erie in Chatham-Kent and Elgin County.
“Erieau and Shrewsbury are not expected to be impacted as greatly as they have been recently as strong east winds are not predicted,” LTVCA officials stated.
“While winds are out of the northwest, on Thursday afternoon through early Friday, greater impacts are expected on Lake St. Clair, including in the community of Lighthouse Cove and the western shoreline of Chatham-Kent. Based on forecasts, the flooding in Lighthouse Cove would be expected to be worse than what occurred last Monday,” LTVCA officials stated.
The rain also has the potential to impact the downstream areas of the Thames River as well, which are already elevated due to high levels on Lake St. Clair.
The rain, on top of elevated water levels, could cause the Thames River to raise enough to put water over the sidewalk in downtown Chatham, LTVCA officials say.
This flood watch by the LTVCA will be in effect until June 17, 2019.
