High water levels on the Thames River are expected to peak in the City of Chatham on Tuesday, as runoff from melting snow and recent rainfall continues to move downstream, according to a flood outlook issued Monday afternoon.
Water management officials say warm weather last week led to snowmelt and rain that raised water levels on smaller watercourses and along the Thames River. Levels around London peaked late Saturday morning, with the highest flows now moving toward Chatham.
As the water travels downstream, flooding of low-lying areas adjacent to the river is expected. Officials report that flooding has already occurred along sections of the Thames River corridor from Delaware to Thamesville.
In Chatham, the sidewalk along the downtown riverfront is currently flooded, and water levels are continuing to rise. Authorities say levels may become high enough to overtop Simcoe Lane beneath the Fifth Street Bridge as the river reaches its peak later Tuesday. An ice jam that had previously formed near the mouth of the Thames River at Lighthouse Cove has moved into Lake St. Clair and is no longer posing a flood risk upstream. Officials say the river is now flowing freely.
The forecast for the coming week calls for little additional rainfall, with only a few millimetres per day expected through Jan. 16. A small amount of snow and freezing temperatures are forecast to begin Wednesday evening and continue into Friday.
Residents are being urged to use caution and stay away from rivers, streams, ditches and standing water. Officials warn that remaining ice is unsafe and that fast-moving cold water, slippery banks and unstable ice conditions can be dangerous. Children, pets and livestock should be kept well away from flooded and low-lying areas.
Officials say the situation will continue to be monitored and updates will be provided as needed. The flood outlook remains in effect until Jan. 16.
