Any remaining snow in the Upper Thames River watershed is currently melting from recent warm temperatures, and will continue to do so over the weekend. A low pressure weather system is forecast to move into southern Ontario later today and travel northeastward overnight and through the day on Saturday. Rainfall associated with the passage of this system in the Upper Thames River basin is forecast at 15 – 20 mm by the end of the day tomorrow.

There is the potential for the development of minor thunderstorms and embedded cells of convective rainfall. If these develop, they are expected to contribute an additional 5 -10 mm in localized accumulations.

Water levels are currently elevated, and will continue to rise if the forecast rain materializes, to levels similar to those experienced in the past few weeks. Additional rain is currently forecast for later next week as well, which may keep water levels elevated for the remainder of the week.

While the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) does not expect significant flooding at this time, peak flows are expected to rise above those experienced in the latter half of February. Water levels will peak over the weekend, and will continue to remain elevated into next week.

The UTRCA’s flood control reservoirs at Fanshawe, Wildwood, and Pittock Conservation Areas are at seasonal levels and are being operated to reduce any downstream flooding.

The public is reminded to exercise extreme caution and stay off all frozen water bodies. Any ice cover will be weakened and unstable. Flood control reservoirs will be especially hazardous due to fluctuating water levels. Banks adjacent to rivers and creeks are very slippery and, when combined with cold, fast-moving water, pose a serious hazard. Parents are encouraged to keep children and pets away from all watercourses and off of frozen water bodies.

• See Thames River water levels and flows
• Types of flood bulletins

Contact: Teresa Hollingsworth, Manager, Community and Corporate Services