By: Saeed Akhtar, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Tilbury Times Reporter
The Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority is warning of rising water levels along the Thames River this week as runoff from the upper watershed moves downstream, a concern heightened by the region’s current blast of freezing temperatures and light rain. As of Thursday night, Lakeshore was sitting at –7 C with light rain and a wind chill near –17 C, conditions expected to remain below freezing through the week
The Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority is warning of rising water levels along the Thames River this week as runoff from the upper watershed moves downstream, potentially flooding low‑lying areas from Delaware to Thamesville and parts of downtown Chatham.
In a Watershed Condition Statement – Flood Outlook issued Monday evening, the authority said smaller watercourses across the region have already peaked and are now receding after a warm, wet weather system passed through the area Sunday. While rainfall amounts matched forecasts in the upper watershed, the lower watershed received only about half the expected precipitation.
Temperatures have since dropped below freezing and are expected to remain there for the rest of the week.
The authority said water levels on the main branch of the Thames River near London are expected to peak overnight before moving downstream over the next three days. As the high water travels through the system, low‑lying areas immediately adjacent to the river are expected to flood.
In Chatham, the sidewalk along the river in the downtown core is expected to be overtopped, and officials say Simcoe Lane under the Fifth Street Bridge may also flood. Elevated water levels are expected throughout the week.
Most of the Thames River is now ice‑free, reducing the risk of ice‑jam flooding. Ice remains only in small amounts along the banks upstream of Thamesville and in a section between Kent Bridge and Communication Road in Chatham. The authority said the remaining ice could temporarily raise water levels as it shifts but poses little risk of forming a jam because the rest of the river is open.
Residents are being urged to stay clear of the river, ditches and streams. The authority warns that any remaining ice should be considered unsafe and that slippery banks, unstable ice and fast‑moving cold water create hazardous conditions. Children, pets and livestock should be kept away from waterways.
The advisory remains in effect until Jan. 3. Officials will continue to monitor conditions and issue updates as needed.
