While flood waters have peaked in London, conservation officials are warning water levels will remain high into the weekend.
Since Monday between 40 to 60 mm of rain has fallen across the region, that coupled with melting snow caused the Thames River to swell its banks. Harris, Gibbons and Springbank parks were all under water Wednesday.
The Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) expects water levels in the city will remain high for at least two to four days.
"In London, we are at the downstream end of our part of the watershed. So all the flows from the north Thames coming down from Mitchell, Stratford, and St. Marys, all of that water, has to slow down through and past Fanshawe Dam and then down into the city," said UTRCA spokesperson Eleanor Heagy. "There is also the south branch coming from Woodstock and Ingersoll. All of that water always flows through the city. So it takes time for the flows to make their way downstream."
This is the largest flooding event to hit the area since 1977. Conservation officials have also not had to discharge this much water from Fanshawe Dam since 1963.
As of late Wednesday afternoon, eight city streets remained closed due to flooding.
- Windermere Rd. between Doon Dr. and Adelaide St. North
- Empress Ave. between Argyle St. and Blackfriars St.
- Walnut St. between Cavendish Cres. and Wyatt St.
- Dingman Rd. between Old Victoria Rd. and Highbury Rd.
- Westminster Rd. east of Wonderland Rd.
"While it may look like a lot of fun, if you want to be a daredevil, you are putting yourself at high risk. You are also going to be putting emergency personnel at high risk," said Heagy. "On top of that there is a boating ban in the City of London...so people who are out on the water can be charged."
Even just standing near the waterway, has proven to be a huge draw for Londoners. Queen's Ave. over the Thames and the Grosvenor St. entrance to Gibbons Park saw a steady stream of people, many with cameras in hand, visit throughout the day.
"It is really fascinating to watch the water rushing by but just make sure you're being careful," said Heagy. "If you want to take photos that is great, just don't put yourself in jeopardy. Make sure you do not drive or walk through any flooded areas. If there is barricades up they are there to keep everybody safe. Please do not go around them."
To the east of London, 4,900 residents in three neighbourhoods in Brantford were forced from their homes due to flooding. An ice jam that had been clogging the Grand River released, sending water surging into the city. A state of emergency was declared as a result.
The neighborhoods of Holmedale, Old West Brant, and Eagle Place have been evacuated. Residents from the flooded areas are asked not to return to their homes until further notice.
