The Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority has issued a flood outlook along the Lake Erie shoreline.
Earlier in the week, the region experienced a warm spell and rainfall that melted most of the snow out of the watershed. Before the temperatures cooled down to below freezing, the water levels had risen on many of the region’s rivers and caused banks to spill over.
The LTVCA says water levels are now dropping, but freezing conditions have the potential to slow down this drainage and create new blockages.
The Indian-McGregor Creek Diversion Channel is still operating to protect the south end of Chatham from flooding.
According to a news release, water levels on the Thames River have peaked in London and that water is now moving downstream.
Water levels are expected to peak near Dutton on Monday and around Thamesville and Chatham on Tuesday. Elevated water levels can be expected for several days after the peak passes.
People should take extra caution and avoid the river, ditches, and streams. The combination of slippery banks, unstable ice, and fast moving cold water can be dangerous. Children and pets should also be kept away from the water.
This advisory will be monitored and updated as necessary. The LTVCA says this message will likely be in effect until Saturday.
