Watershed responding to yesterday’s rain
Watershed Conditions Statement – Water Safety (update #2) (2024 Flood Event 7, Bulletin 3)
Issued July 17, 2024 at 2:00 pm; Valid until July 22, 2024
Heavy rain moved across the Upper Thames River watershed in several waves over the past two days, ending at approximately midnight Wednesday. The higher rainfall amounts from the storms late yesterday were generally east of London.
The Upper Thames River basin has now received 75-170 mm of rain over the past week. The ground is saturated and not able to absorb runoff.
Streams and rivers across the watershed are still elevated. Most watercourses peaked this morning and remain near peak levels. The South Thames River in London is expected to continue rising this afternoon and to peak late today.
Floodwaters are spilling over the bank and into low lying areas in many areas, as would be more typical of a spring flood. Water levels are expected to remain above normal levels for several days.
The Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) continues to operate its flood control reservoirs at Fanshawe, Wildwood, and Pittock Conservation Areas to reduce downstream peak flows. Discharges below the reservoirs will remain elevated into the weekend.
Safety:
Avoid recreational activities in or around water at this time, including fishing, canoeing, hiking, etc., as conditions can change rapidly. Please exercise caution if you must be around any bodies of water, rivers or streams. Avoid areas already experiencing erosion or blockages with debris. Please alert any children under your care of these dangers and supervise their activities. Please keep children and pets away from banks as they may be slippery and unstable. Avoid driving through ponded areas or underpasses with deep water. It is not safe to take shelter along riverbanks or in low lying areas that are prone to flooding.
UTRCA officials are monitoring the situation and will report on any changing conditions if necessary.