Streams and Rivers Rising as Rain Continues (flood bulletin, September 22-25, 2021)
Flood Watch
Issued September 22, 2021 at 10:00 pm; Valid until September 25, 2021
The Upper Thames River watershed has received prolonged widespread, heavy rainfall since Tuesday evening, with a substantial portion of the rain falling Wednesday evening. Much of the North Thames River watershed, including the City of London, has received more than 100 mm of rain. The South Thames has generally received approximately 60-75 mm. Rain is expected to continue overnight.
While much of the earlier rain soaked into the ground, more runoff is now being generated as the soil becomes saturated. Ditches, creeks and streams have been rising throughout the day Wednesday and many have reached bank full conditions or spilled their banks. Some low lying areas and parklands are being inundated, such as the St. Marys Flats, and Harris and Gibbons Parks in London.
The Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) expects watercourses to begin peaking early Thursday morning in upstream areas. Peaks will progress downstream through to Thursday evening. The Thames River is expected to remain elevated into the weekend.
Areas which have flooded historically include:
- City of Woodstock: Thames River at Highway 2; Cedar Creek at Southside Park
- East Zorra-Tavistock: Braemar Trailer Park
- Zorra: Ponderosa Trailer Park
- Thames Centre: Village of Putnam south of Highway 401; Reynolds Creek – Golden Pond Trailer Park
- Mitchell: Intersection of St George and Adelaide (south end of Parmalat)
- Perth South: Prospect Hill Campground
- West Perth: Motherwell area
- City of Stratford: Dolan Drive; Avon Cemetery; Stratford Golf and Country Club
- Town of St. Marys: Thomas Street between Park and Queen Streets; Parkview Drive; St. Marys Golf & Country Club
- Middlesex Centre: Former Lady of Lourdes Catholic School site; River Road
- City of London:
- Windermere Road and Adelaide Street
- Pumping station and London Hydro substation at west end of Kilally Road
- Parking lot adjacent to McNay Drain in North Thames floodplain behind apartment
- Parking lot behind Richmond apartments (across from Bernard Avenue)
- Gibbons Park (end of Victoria Street)
- Harris Park
- Waubuno Creek – Travelled Road, River Road
- Pottersburg Creek at Oxford Street (Veterans Memorial Parkway)
- Wellington Road and Front Street
- Coves trailer park
- Dingman Creek – various locations along Dingman Drive
- Western University: Elgin Hall and Talbot parking lots, Tennis Centre
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. UTRCA officials are monitoring the situation, and will report on any changing conditions as necessary.
The public is reminded to exercise extreme caution and stay away from all watercourses. Do not drive through any flooded roadways or walk into flooded areas. Parents are encouraged to keep their children and pets away from all creeks, rivers and water bodies.