By: Saeed Akhtar, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Tilbury Times Reporter
Water levels along the Thames River are beginning to recede following a weekend of high flows that saw the river peak at several locations across southwestern Ontario.
The Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority (LTVCA) said Monday that water levels on the river peaked in London last Thursday, near Dutton early Saturday afternoon, and near Thamesville early Sunday evening. In Chatham, the river crested early Monday morning.
Heavy rainfall across the watershed last week — ranging from 35 to 55 millimetres, with some areas receiving more due to thunderstorms — pushed the Thames River and its tributaries over their banks and into adjacent floodplain areas.
Although water levels are now falling along most of the river’s length, the LTVCA warned residents to remain cautious.
“Water levels are still quite high and will remain elevated for the next few days,” the agency said in a statement.
Residents are being urged to stay away from the river, streams and ditches, particularly in the Chatham area, where water levels will remain high despite the crest having passed.
“People should take extra caution and avoid the river, ditches, and streams,” the LTVCA said. “The combination of slippery banks and fast-moving cold water can be dangerous.”
The authority also reminded residents that standing water can pose unseen hazards, and that children, pets and livestock should be kept away from waterways.
In Chatham, the 6th Street Dam was operated Sunday evening and overnight to reduce water levels on Indian and McGregor Creeks. Those levels will now slowly rise during the day as they match the gradually falling Thames River levels.
The McGregor Creek Diversion Channel remains full of water backed up from the river, though this too is expected to drop as conditions improve.
The LTVCA said no major rainfall is forecast in the coming days, which should aid in the slow return of water levels to normal.
However, officials will continue to monitor conditions and will update their advisory if necessary. The current Watershed Condition Statement – Safety Bulletin remains in effect until April 9.
Meanwhile, the Municipality of Chatham-Kent is encouraging residents to sign up for its new emergency alert service, CKAlert. The system provides notifications in the event of a flooding emergency via text message, email or phone call.
Unlike the federal Alert Ready system, CKAlert requires residents to sign up in advance at www.CKAlert.ca.
“This Emergency Alert Service will only be used in the event of a flood-related emergency situation,” the LTVCA noted.
Residents are advised to stay informed and take necessary precautions as water levels continue to drop over the next several days.
