March Break Safety Reminder: Stay Away from Watercourses (media release, March 8, 2024)
With many students out of school for the March Break, the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) reminds parents and guardians to keep children and pets away from streams, rivers, ponds, and ditches.
Weather forecasts are calling for 20-40 mm of rain beginning Friday evening and continuing through Saturday. The UTRCA expects water levels in local streams and rivers to rise over the weekend, with possible minor flooding of low-lying areas. Water levels will remain above normal until early next week, but significant flooding is not expected.
The UTRCA reminds everyone that banks next to rivers and creeks are very slippery and, when combined with cold, fast-moving water, pose a serious hazard. 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 UTRCA will operate its flood control reservoirs at Fanshawe, Wildwood, and Pittock Conservation Areas to reduce downstream flooding.