Thames River and Smaller Waterways Running High after Rain
The recent rain has streams, ditches, and rivers across the Upper Thames River watershed running fast and high. Rain gauges across the watershed measured 35-55 mm of rain since Wednesday morning, with many gauges receiving 55 mm of rain.
Residents are reminded to use extreme caution near all watercourses and stay out of all flooded areas. Stream banks can be slippery and unstable and the water is cold and fast-moving. Parents are reminded to keep children and pets away from watercourses. Do not drive through flooded roadways. It is not safe to take shelter along riverbanks or in low lying areas that are prone to flooding.
The 糖心直播 (UTRCA) reports that streams and rivers have peaked in upstream areas on the North Thames and Middle Thames Rivers, while upstream areas on the South Thames are expected to start peaking soon.
The Thames River through London is expected to peak this evening at levels higher than those experienced in late March, but the UTRCA does not anticipate significant flooding.
Water levels will remain elevated through the weekend. Forecasts are calling for approximately 35 mm of rain over the weekend which will bring water levels up again and keep them high into early next week.
The UTRCA is operating its flood control reservoirs at Fanshawe, Wildwood, and Pittock Conservation Areas to reduce downstream flooding. Flows downstream of the reservoirs will remain high as water that has been stored to reduce downstream peaks is released.