Public Reminded to Stay Away from Watercourses (media release, December 10, 2021)

With rain in the forecast and the ground already saturated, the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) reminds residents to stay away from watercourses over the weekend.

A strong cold front will make its way through southern Ontario bringing rain and strong winds to the Upper Thames watershed, beginning tonight and continuing into Saturday night. Environment and Climate Change Canada has issued a Special Weather Statement predicting 25-45 mm of heavy rain.

The small amount of snow on the ground is not expected to contribute to runoff to any great extent. Although the UTRCA does not expect the rain to cause any serious flooding, the ground is saturated and more susceptible to runoff.

Residents are reminded to use extreme caution near all watercourses. Stream banks can be slippery and unstable and the water may quickly become fast-moving and higher than normal. Parents are reminded to keep children and pets away from watercourses.

The UTRCA will operate its flood control reservoirs at Fanshawe, Wildwood, and Pittock Conservation Areas to reduce any downstream flooding.

See Thames River flow and water level information.

Contact: Eleanor Heagy, Communications Specialist