Conservation Authority cautions of high waters in London region, risk of flooding into weekend
CBC
Conservation officials are urging everyone in the London area to avoid waterways this week as water levels continue to rise with melting snow and ice.
The Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) said plenty of rain and above-freezing temperatures are contributing to high water levels in the Thames River.
"The UTRCA reminds the public to use extreme caution near all waterways," officials said in a news release. "Stream banks may be slippery and unstable and, when combined with very cold, fast-moving water, pose a serious [hazard]. Any ice cover will be weakened and unstable. Flood control reservoirs are especially hazardous due to fluctuating water levels."
It's not unusual for conservation officials to issue statements, but they usually come in the spring when large amounts of snow begin to melt.
Areas expected to be dangerous include floodplains and riverbanks.
"The UTRCA expects floodwaters to spill into low-lying floodplain areas that typically flood in the spring," the statement reads. "People should stay out of any flooded areas and not drive through flooded roadways."
Water levels were expected to continue rising into the weekend, with peak flows passing through upstream areas such as Stratford, St. Marys, and Woodstock early Saturday and through London late Saturday, possibly overnight, officials said.
The UTRCA said it is operating flood-control reservoirs at Fanshawe, Wildwood, and Pittock Conservation Areas to reduce flooding, but locals should remain cautious.
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Conservation officials are urging everyone in the London area to avoid waterways this week as water levels continue to rise with melting snow and ice.
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