The Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority (LTVCA) is urging extreme caution around waterways as wet weather is expected to cause ponding, standing water, and flooding throughout Chatham-Kent.
The conservation authority issued a flood watch over the weekend, but has now upgraded that to a flood warning.
While water levels started to drop throughout the Lower Thames watershed following last week's rainfall and snowmelt, they are on the rise again due to current rain.
Environment and Climate Change Canada issued a rainfall warning on Tuesday, forecasting 20 to 40 mm of rain. As of 9 a.m. on Wednesday, the LTVCA said the Chatham area had already seen between 25 and 35 mm.
The McGregor Creek Diversion Channel and the 6th St. Dam and Pumping Station are in operation to help protect from flooding, but the conservation authority warns that it may not be enough to keep up with the rain.
LTVCA advises that those with basements along King Street and Siskind Court should expect flooding. With continued rain, there could also be flooding along William Street at Water Street, Salter Street, Thames Street near Pitt and Kent Streets, and Pegley Court West, similar to what was seen in 2018. Further south, there could be flooding along Indian Creek, in the areas around Tissiman Avenue, Queen Street, Indian Creek Road, and Algonquin Drive.
Residents, especially children, are urged to stay away from the Thames River as well as ditches and streams, as the combination of slippery banks and fast-moving cold water can be dangerous.
