Conservation officials in Chatham have issued a flood watch for the Thames River.
Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority officials say this morning, portions of the Lower Thames watershed have received 10-15 mm of rainfall.
Rainfall forecasts for this afternoon through overnight are calling for another 15-25 mm, which could produce total rainfall amounts in the 25-40 mm range for the region.
Temperatures throughout most of the watershed are expected to remain above freezing.
There is little to no snow left in the lower watershed to melt and add to the rainfall.
Ice in the lower Thames river has already moved out into Lake St. Clair but some remains in the region’s smaller watercourses.
Such large amounts of rainfall in the winter can cause the region’s smaller local watercourses to respond quickly.
Depending on the rainfall amounts we end up getting, some of these watercourses may spill their banks.
Some local watercourses still have ice in them that could lead to blockages and localized flooding.
If the larger rainfall amounts predicted appear, the Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority will probably have to operate the Indian-McGregor Creek Diversion Channel.
Conservation Authority staff will be monitoring the situation.
Water levels on the Thames River will rise, but they are not expected to rise enough to flood the river flats adjacent to the Thames River.
As all the ice has moved out from the Thames River into the lake, there is no risk of ice jam flooding there.
People should take extra caution and avoid the river, ditches, streams, and ponds.
Any ice remaining is expected to degrade quickly and a combination of slippery banks, moving/melting ice and cold water is particularly dangerous.
Standing water can also present its own unseen hazards.
Children, pets and livestock should be kept away from the water.
Officials will continue to monitor the situation and update this advisory if necessary.
This message will be in effect until February 26th, 2016.
