Conservation Authority Urges Caution around Watercourses (flood bulletin, October 8-10, 2023)
Watershed Conditions Statement – Water Safety
Issued October 8, 2023 at 12:15 pm; Valid until October 10, 2023
The Upper Thames River watershed has received between 20 to 65 mm of rain over the past 24 hours and there is the possibility that an additional 5 to 10 will fall today. The ground is fairly saturated and the potential for runoff is increased.
Based on the current weather outlook and streamflow forecasts, major flooding is not anticipated.
With family gatherings and outdoor activities over this long weekend, residents are reminded to use extreme caution near all watercourses. Parents and caregivers are asked to keep children and pets away from all watercourses. Banks adjacent to rivers, creeks, and ditches may be slippery and, when combined with fast-moving water, pose a serious hazard.
Residents are reminded that standing water can also present dangers. Do not attempt to drive through flooded roadways.
It is not safe to take shelter along riverbanks or in low lying areas that are prone to flooding.
The Upper Thames River Conservation Authority’s flood control reservoirs at Fanshawe, Wildwood, and Pittock Conservation Areas will be operated to reduce downstream flooding.
This message will remain in effect until Tuesday, October 10, 2023, unless local conditions warrant further updates. The UTRCA will continue to monitor forecasts and watershed conditions through the weekend and will provide updates as required.