Rain in Forecast for Friday (flood bulletin, March 30 – April 4, 2023)
WATERSHED CONDITIONS STATEMENT – WATER SAFETY
Issued March 30, 2023 at 13:30; Valid until: April 4, 2023
On Friday, a Colorado low is expected to move into the province, bringing showers to the region. Total rain accumulation across the Upper Thames River basin is forecast to reach 20-25 mm from early Friday morning until Saturday evening, with the bulk of rain received on Friday.
The Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) expects local water levels to rise Friday afternoon and into Saturday, and to remain above normal over the weekend and into next week. Serious flooding is not expected. Levels should remain below those experienced last weekend.
The UTRCA’s flood control reservoirs at Fanshawe, Wildwood, and Pittock Conservation Areas are at seasonal levels and will be operated to reduce downstream flooding, if required. UTRCA officials are monitoring the situation and will report any changing conditions.
Parents are reminded to keep children and pets away from all watercourses. Banks adjacent to rivers and creeks are very slippery and, when combined with cold, fast-moving water, pose a serious hazard.
As water levels rise, it is not safe to take shelter along riverbanks or in low lying areas that are prone to flooding.