Watercourses Continue to Rise, Rainfall Total Exceeds Forecasts (flood bulletin, April 1-5, 2023)
FLOOD WATCH
Issued April 1, 2023 at 12:00 pm; Valid until April 5, 2023
The system that moved through Southern Ontario yesterday and early today produced the higher amounts of rain forecast or, in some areas, more than forecast. Rain totals ranged from 30 to 55 mm, received in one wave at mid-day Friday and a second wave just after midnight and into the early hours of today.
Forecasts are still changing but have called for 15-20 mm of rain this afternoon, with a chance of thunderstorms.
The Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) expects water levels will continue to rise through the day today to levels higher than have been experienced so far this year. Flood coordinators should monitor known problem areas, including low lying recreational trails, parks, and roads.
The UTRCA’s flood control reservoirs at Fanshawe, Wildwood, and Pittock Conservation Areas are being operated to reduce downstream flooding. UTRCA officials are monitoring the situation and will report any changing conditions.
People should take extra caution and avoid all rivers, streams, ditches and ponds. Banks adjacent to rivers and creeks are very slippery and, when combined with cold, fast-moving water, pose a serious hazard. Standing water can also present unseen hazards. Parents are reminded to keep children and pets away from the water. As water levels rise, it is not safe to take shelter along riverbanks or in low lying areas that are prone to flooding.