Environment and Climate Change Canada Issues Special Weather Statement (flood bulletin, July 12-15, 2023)
WATERSHED CONDITIONS STATEMENT – FLOOD OUTLOOK/WATER SAFETY
Issued July 12, 2023 at 3:45 pm; Valid until July 15, 2023
Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) has issued a Special Weather Statement for London, Middlesex County, and Oxford County. ECCC is forecasting heavy rainfall this evening through to Thursday morning, with rainfall amounts of 30-50 mm and isolated amounts of up to 100 mm.
The Upper Thames River watershed has already received 50-120 mm of rain since the beginning of July. As a result, the ground is fairly saturated and the potential for runoff is increased. In addition to the rain forecast for this evening into tomorrow, smaller amounts of rain are forecast for the next five days, including possible thundershowers.
Localized flooding is possible in areas that receive heavier and higher rain amounts. If the higher rainfall amounts become more widespread, flooding is possible in low floodplain areas that typically flood in the spring.
The Upper Thames River Conservation Authority’s flood control reservoirs at Fanshawe, Wildwood, and Pittock Conservation Areas will be operated to reduce downstream flooding.
Parents are reminded 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. Standing water can also present dangers.
It is not safe to take shelter along riverbanks or in low lying areas that are prone to flooding.