The St. Clair Region Conservation Authority and Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority are urging residents to stay away from riverbanks this weekend, as the area could receive between 75 mm – 95 mm of rain over the next 72 hours.
Girish Sankar, Director of Water Resources at the SCRCA says, “Water levels are expected to rise with the potential for localized flooding in floodplain areas, parks and farm fields throughout the region. Water levels are anticipated to remain high early next week as the water makes its way through the river”.
Environment Canada says there’s a risk of freezing rain tomorrow afternoon as the temperature drops to near the freezing mark.
“River banks are expected to be slippery, minor erosion is expected to happen. Saturated soil conditions across the watershed. Residents are reminded to avoid watercourses and flooded areas due to slippery banks and cold, swift moving water. Children and pets should be kept away from the water,” says Sankar.
Jason Wintermute at the LTVCA says, “Water levels on the Thames River would be expected to rise with the peak reaching the upstream areas of the Lower Thames jurisdiction on Monday. Water levels on the river could be expected to remain high most of next week as the water makes its way downstream. Water levels would be expected to rise and flood the low-lying flats adjacent to the river from Delaware down to Chatham. At this time, a more normal spring event is anticipated”.
