April 5, 2023 at 12:34 am
A flood warning is expected to remain in place for Chatham-Kent over the Easter weekend.
The Lower Thames Valley Protection Agency first issued a flood warning for areas along the Thames and local waterways in Chatham-Kent on Tuesday morning.
In an update Wednesday morning, conservation officials said water levels in Chatham had now peaked and would remain near peak levels throughout the day.
A further 10 to 30mm of rain is expected throughout Wednesday, with high water levels in the Thames downstream also expected to continue into the weekend.
“Water levels on the Thames remain high enough that flooding occurs in low-lying areas (mostly agricultural) near the river from Delaware all the way to Chatham. Water levels near Thamesville peaked earlier [Tuesday] In the evening, it is slowly descending.Water levels in Chatham peaked earlier [Wednesday] In the morning, it’s also slowly dropping now,” conservation officials told a media briefing. “Water levels in the city are expected to remain near peak levels throughout the day. If there is a lot of rain, it could keep water levels high in the city and possibly even cause them to rise. LTVCA is currently operating the 6th Street Dam in downtown Chatham to prevent flooding on the south end of Chatham. “
Smaller waterways in Chatham-Kent are falling after rain on Monday and Tuesday, according to LTVCA officials.However, depending on Wednesday’s extra rainfall, the smaller channel could rise again and spill its banks into adjacent low-lying areas
“While smaller channels have been descending, they will rise again with more rainfall, and many may overflow into adjacent low-lying areas,” the media report read. “Thames tributaries will be at higher levels, especially in areas closer to the river, as the Thames remains near its peak throughout the lower Thames basin, which will make it difficult for water to drain.”
The flood warning is in effect until April 9.
Residents are reminded to take extra care and avoid rivers, ditches and streams.