After flooding along Thames River prompted a state of emergency on Friday, water levels in Chatham are slowly but surely going down.
Tim Dick, director of drainage for Chatham-Kent, said although the amount may vary in different spots, water levels have dropped about 12 inches overnight, which he calls a "good sign."
An update on the Chatham-Kent Facebook page said municipal staff worked through the night in the vicinity of Poppe Road and Buchanan Line.
“Repairs done yesterday appear to be holding so far, although the prolonged pressure on the dikes is producing seepage at the base in some areas,” said Manager of Infrastructure and Engineering Services, Thomas Kelly. “We did experience a breach in one section of the dike that impacted 300 acres. This area has been contained and is now stable.”
The ice jam currently runs from the mouth of the river at Lighthouse Cove to one kilometer west of Prairie Siding. Channels are open near the mouth of the Thames River allowing water to flow into the lake. Some areas of ice build up remain along Riverview Line. Although officials say risks have greatly lessened with the falling water levels, they are reminding residents that some risks associated with the ice jam still remain including the jam shifting or creating surges as it settled into lower water levels.
Officials for the Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority (LTVCA) also said they are seeing water level drops near the ice jams and have stopped operating the 6th Street Dam. They say residents upstream on McGregor Creek could see a slight increase in water levels on the creek as water levels equalize with the river.
https://twitter.com/Jason_Homewood/status/1094229803438346241
Residents are reminded take extra caution and avoid the river, ditches and streams
Mayor Darrin Canniff praised the work of municipal staff, the LTVCA and the public.
“We’ve had tremendous work from our staff and contractors. The Lower Thames has kept us updated and the public have helped by staying clear of the scene,” he said. “The river remains dangerous and people are respecting that fact.”
Both the municipality and the LTVCA will continue to monitor the situation. The state of emergency and flood warning remains in place as officials assess the situation. A 24-hour phone line has also been set up for residents who have questions or concerns (519) 360-1998.
