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Thames River peaks lower than expected upstream: LTVCA

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While stressing the need to still be prepared, the Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority says less flooding is now expected along the river this weekend.

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The updated flood message, issued Friday, said water levels in London peaked Thursday evening “somewhat lower than expected.”

There is a small amount of rain in the forecast for Saturday, but it’s not anticipated to have an impact on flood levels.

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“Many local watercourses across the watershed had reached bank-full conditions or spilled their banks. Water levels on those watercourses are now dropping throughout the watershed,” conservation authority officials stated. “However, some may still remain high moving into the weekend, especially in downstream areas that might be influenced by high water on the Thames River.”

Flooding of the river flats from Delaware to Thamesville has already begun. Problems aren’t expected for bridge crossings over the river, but caution should still be taken in due to the high water. The community of Thamesville is not expected to be impacted by this event.

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In Chatham, the sidewalk along the river in the downtown has already flooded over. Water levels will continue to rise over the weekend and are expected to peak on Sunday.

“Now that the peak flow has passed London, the forecast for Chatham has been revised,” officials added. “The (conservation authority) still expects to have to operate the Sixth Street dam and is preparing to do so. However, flooding of streets in the city is no longer expected.

“Flooding is expected to be limited to the basements of businesses along King Street in the downtown. That type of flooding would not be expected to occur until late Saturday or Sunday.”

Officials will continue to monitor the situation, as there is still uncertainty in the forecast due to the possibility of rain and other factors as peak flows make their way downstream in the coming days.

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