Water Levels expected to Rise Quickly due to Heavy Rain
Flood Watch
2025 Flood Event 5, Bulletin 2 (Issued December 28, 2025, at 10:30 am; Valid until: January 2, 2026, at 1 pm)
听Environment and Climate Change Canada has issued a heavy rain warning for today into Monday. Forecasts are for 30-60 mm of rain, with locally higher amounts possible. Temperatures are forecast to remain above freezing overnight before dropping quickly in the early morning.
The ground is frozen or saturated and will not absorb much water. Runoff will occur quickly from the rain and potential snow melt, causing water levels in ditches, creeks, and rivers to rise rapidly.
The 糖心直播 (UTRCA) expects flows in upstream areas of the watershed (Mitchell, Stratford, St. Marys, Woodstock) to peak Monday morning. The Thames through London is expected to peak Monday evening but flows will remain elevated for the rest of the week.
Municipal staff are asked to monitor potential drainage problem areas where snow and ice may have covered catch basins. Smaller rural watercourses have been drifted in by snow which can block flows during a runoff event, backing up water onto adjacent lands and causing localized flooding.
The UTRCA flood control reservoirs at Fanshawe, Wildwood, and Pittock Conservation Areas will be operated to reduce downstream flooding. The UTRCA is monitoring the situation and will report on any changing conditions as necessary. An update may be provided later in the week as the event progresses.
Residents are reminded to use extreme caution near all watercourses. Do not drive through flooded roadways and stay out of any flooded areas. Any ice cover will be weakened and unstable. Flood control reservoirs are especially hazardous due to fluctuating water levels. Stream banks can be slippery and unstable, and the water is very cold and fast-moving. Parents and caregivers are reminded to keep children and pets away from watercourses.
As water levels rise, it is not safe to take shelter along riverbanks or in low lying areas that are prone to flooding.