Chatham flood 2020. January 16, 2020. (Photo by Paul Pedro)Chatham flood 2020. January 16, 2020. (Photo by Paul Pedro)
Chatham

Thames River flooding concerns easing

The Sixth Street Dam and the Diversion Channel Dam in Chatham will reopen Friday afternoon as flooding is no longer a major concern on the Thames River.

Officials with the Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority (LTVCA) said water from the Thames River has been flowing out into Lake St. Clair. However, water levels on the river and local watercourses are expected to remain high throughout the weekend.

A flood warning was issued for the Thames River after heavy rainfall occurred across the region last weekend. A safety bulletin issued on Friday will remain in effect until January 19.

Conservation officials will continue to monitor the area as a significant amount of snowfall is expected overnight Friday and Saturday morning. The snowfall is not expected to cause additional flooding concerns for the river.

Residents are asked to check that basins and other drainage works are not being blocked by debris, however, this should only be done when floodwaters have receded and it is safe to do so. Slippery banks and ice-cold, fast-moving water do make for dangerous conditions.

In the meantime, a winter storm in the forecast for this weekend may cause some issues for residents living along the shoreline.

A flood watch has been issued for the Great Lakes shorelines, Erie Shore Drive, and Lighthouse Cove. This comes as floodwaters only just started to recede in Lighthouse Cove due to flooding from the Thames River.

A gale warning was issued by Environment Canada on Friday afternoon because of strong wind gusts in the forecast. A release from the LTVCA states that waves on Lake Erie may reach three metres in height by Saturday night, while waves on Lake St. Clair reach one metre in height by Sunday.

A flood watch will remain in effect until January 20.

Related: 2020 flood in CK goes out with a whimper (PHOTO GALLERY)

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