London is still cleaning up from weekend flooding, but more rain is on the way
CBC | Posted: April 3, 2023 5:30 PM | Last Updated: April 3, 2023
Forecasts are calling for 10 to 15 mm of rain tonight, with more expected Tuesday and Wednesday
Keep your rain boots by the front door this week, Londoners.
The region is still recovering from flooding along streets, walkways, fields and basements from the rainfall this weekend, but more rain is in the forecast for this week.
Along the Thames River in London, water levels peaking Sunday and remain higher than normal — but are now dropping fairly quickly, said a spokesperson for the The Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA).
The UTRCA is urging the public to stay away from rivers, ponds and standing water.
"They're fun to watch at this time of year when they're flowing so high and fast, but they are also quite hazardous," said Eleanor Heagy, spokesperson for the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority.
"The banks are really slippery. Water is very cold, very fast moving now," Heagy said. "Look at it from a distance. Stay away. Make sure children and pets stay out of it as well."
Showers are expected to start Monday evening and continue with periods of rain through Tuesday and Wednesday, according to Environment Canada.
The three-day forecast is calling for about 30 to 40 mm of rain, said Heagy. Rivers and streams are expected to rise again if the precipitation comes, but the UTRCA doesn't expect levels to reach as high as last week, she said.
"The ground is so saturated right now. If we do get rain, the streams and rivers are responding really quickly because that's just running off, it's not soaking into the ground," Heagy said.
Londoners dealing with weekend flooding
Old South resident Stephen Turner woke up early Saturday morning to find his basement filled with about two feet of water. It's the first flood he's had in 18 years living in the house.
"My couch was floating past me," said the former London city councillor, who lost sentimental photos and baby books in the flood. His sump pump was working, he said, but his backyard was filled with water, so there was nowhere for the water to go.
The City of London has basement and yard flooding programs and grants to help prevent flooding, he said.
Water problems mean local plumbers and restoration companies are dealing with the aftermath of flooding in homes across the region.
Aron Oretan, the owner of Triton Plumbing in London, said he's been busier than normal responding to the calls of wet basements, failed sump pumps and drain issues.
"We're mostly seeing old sump pumps failing," he said.
He suggests replacing sump pumps every seven to 10 years, and installing a battery-powered back-up in case power goes out. "If your primary pump fails to go on in, the secondary pump can go on," he said, adding water alarms and backwater valves can also help.
Take extreme caution near the river, fire platoon chief warns
Fire fighters spent hours searching the Thames River in London Saturday afternoon after reports of heavy rains washing away homeless encampments.
After an extensive search lasting hours, no one was found, Shewell said. "Individuals were able to move away from the river, so fortunately, no one was hurt," he said.
Fortunately, the search was a precaution to make sure everyone was accounted for and safe, he said.
London's Fire Department is urging Londoners to take "extreme caution" near the Thames River.
"It's very enticing to get close to the river and get that selfie or get that picture. But be very mindful that the shores are very soft with the rain that we've had in the past few days," said Colin Shewell, platoon chief with the London Fire Department.
He asks Londoners to remain cautious. "Enjoy the great river from a bit of a distance to make sure you and your family are safe," Shewell said.