February 17th, 2022
PLEASE BE ADVISED:
There is currently a Special Weather Statement in effect from Environment and Climate Change Canada calling for a “messy mix of wintery weather beginning late Wednesday”. This includes 10 to 25 mm of rain from late Wednesday through Thursday afternoon. Other forecasts are suggesting there could be up to 35 mm of rain.
Given the amount of rain in the forecast, it is possible that the Thames River will rise up enough to cause the river ice to break up and begin moving. Once the warm up begins, the ice on the river should no longer be considered safe. Ice cover on the river through Chatham and downstream to the mouth is around 20 cm thick.
People should take extra caution and avoid the river, ditches, and streams. The combination of slippery banks, broken or unstable ice and fast moving cold water can be dangerous. Standing water can also present its own unseen hazards. Children and pets and livestock should be kept away from the water.
Officials will continue to monitor the situation and update this advisory as necessary.