A state of emergency remains in effect after flooding along the Thames River, but the worst is behind us.
The Thames crested Saturday evening more than five meters above normal, and while the water levels are slowly starting to go back down, Mayor Randy Hope says it will still be some time before cleanup can begin.
“We’re in an emergency situation right now,” Hope says. “We’re not even looking at recovery until we see water levels recede to normal, and then we can start to do the evaluation of cleanup, of debris removal, and look at those garbage days or pick-up days and make sure we adequately address those concerns.”
Fire Chief Bob Crawford says he’s quite pleased with the overall response to the flooding.
“We do exercise and train as a group, and we’re really gratified at the integration of emergency response has been,” Crawford says. “We have a lot of different partners that we plan with when we get into events like this, and it’s gone very well, I think it’s almost a proud moment for many of us that all the agencies can put their badges and their egos aside for the week, and they’re working as a true team.”
Ontario’s Minister of Municipal Affairs, Bill Mauro will be in Chatham-Kent later today to see the damage first-hand.
Meantime, things are starting to return to normal along the Sydenham River.
Officials with the St Clair Region Conservation Authority say the McKeough Dam is gradually being opened as the situation permits.
Water levels across the watershed will continue to very slowly decline, returning to normal levels by later in the week.
Residents are still urged to steer clear of waterways with very slippery banks and fast-moving water.
When it comes to schools in the area, both the Lambton Kent and St Clair Catholic District School Board say all schools will be open today and buses running, although some may be delayed by road closures in flooded areas.
There are a number of roads that continue to be affected by the floodwaters. You can see the full list of road closures on the municipality’s website.
Thamesville:
Kent Centre-Bedford Rd. will be closed and River Line will be closed between Harwich Rd. and Mull Rd. do to water over road.
Kent Bridge road at CN overpass being closed between Magnavilla and river line due to water over road
Norton line being closed due to flooding between Victoria road and Kenesserie line
The east end of Simcoe Lane will remain closed due to flooding, PW will continue to monitor areas along the river.
Jane Street is closed between Graham Street and Wallace Street due to water over the road
Intersection of London and Victoria has water on the corners but the two main lanes are good
River line closed between Magnavilla and Scane due to water over road west of CN tracks
Chatham:
Parking lot #2 and #3 on Thames street will be closed, east end of Salter street, west end of Stanley street will be closed due to flooding, PW. Will monitor these area’s throughout the day, updates to follow.
Thames St has been closed between 3rd St and 5th St due to rising water levels: Thames street between 3rd street and 5th street bridge is completely under water, along with parts of Kent and Pit street , Siskind , Pegley Tunnel will remain closed also, we will continue throughout the day monitoring these area’s for flooding issue’s.
Thomas St between Thames St and Van Allen is closed due to rising water levels
Sixth Street
Keil Drive between Richmond and Park Ave is closed due to flooding
