The recent soaking the London-area has received has made for dangerous conditions around waterways, prompting a word of warning from the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA).
The watershed saw 25 to 35 mm of rainfall on Wednesday. With the ground saturated much of the water is running off into waterways. That has creeks flowing near bank-full. They are expected to peak on Thursday, according to the conservation authority.
"Banks next to rivers and creeks are very slippery and when combined with cold, fast-moving water, pose a serious hazard," the conservation authority said in the safety advisory. "Standing water can also present dangers. Do not attempt to drive through flooded roadways. It is not safe to take shelter along riverbanks or in low lying areas that are prone to flooding."
Members of the City of London Coordinated Informed Response Unit were seen Thursday checking on people living in homeless encampments near the Thames River north of Blackfriars Bridge. While the river had breached the banks of the Thames, leaving part of the Thames Valley Parkway underwater, it did not reach those living in the encampment.
No major flooding is anticipated, the conservation authority said. However, with schools closed for the holiday break, the conservation authority is advising caregivers to keep children and pets away from rivers, streams, ponds, and flood control reservoirs for the time being.
Flood control reservoirs at Fanshawe, Wildwood, and Pittock Conservation areas are being operated to reduce downstream flooding. UTRCA officials are monitoring the situation and will advise of any changing conditions.
Environment Canada is calling for more rain to fall across the region on Friday afternoon. Temperatures are also expected to return to more seasonal highs by the weekend.
