The Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA), whose jurisdiction includes London and communities northeast of the city, says bodies of water in the area will be a safety hazard for the next several days.

The conservation authority says heavy rainfall on Friday and Saturday added 15 – 30 mm of rain to the Upper Thames River watershed. About one week prior, a massive snow storm blew through the area leaving inches of snow on the ground. Rising temperatures and rainfall have caused most of this snow to melt, and runoff is making its way to nearby streams and rivers.

This process has caused water levels to rise significantly. According to UTRCA, water banks are also quite slippery, and watercourses are cold and fast-moving.

“With schools closed over the holiday period, caregivers are reminded to keep children and pets away from watercourses,” the conservation authority wrote.

The UTRCA predicts watercourses to peak in upstream areas such as Mitchell and Woodstock on Saturday evening. Water will then move towards London in the early hours of Sunday morning. 

Levels will be elevated throughout the weekend and into next week.

Flood control reservoirs at Fanshawe, Wildwood, and Pittock Conservation Areas are working to reduce downstream flooding, according to UTRCA. The conservation authority says flooding is not a major concern, however, flood control reservoirs are especially dangerous at this time due to fluctuating water levels. These areas should be avoided by the public.