A yellow severe thunderstorm watch has replaced a special weather statement for the Chatham-Kent area.
Environment Canada said conditions are favourable for the development of severe thunderstorms that may be capable of producing strong wind gusts and heavy rain.
Forecasters said wind gusts of 100 km/hr, total rainfall amounts of 40 to 60 mm over a few locations, and a risk of tornadoes are possible on Wednesday night and could continue overnight.
The national weather agency has also issued a yellow wind warning that could stretch into Thursday morning.
"Local utility outages are possible. Damage to roofs, fences, branches or soft shelters is possible. Some property damage is possible. Wind warnings are issued when there is a significant risk of damaging winds," Environment Canada noted.
The Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority (LTVCA) has also issued an early notice of the potential for flooding based on the forecasted heavy rain that could lead to high runoff.
The LTVCA said many areas of the watershed have seen significant rain over the last few days and ponding, standing water, and localized flooding could be expected around the region.
"Smaller watercourses could rise and some could spill their banks into adjacent low-lying areas," said the conservation authority. "Based on the current forecasts, the Thames River is not expected to rise significantly in response to the rain."
People should take extra caution and avoid the watercourses, ditches, and streams that are running high, noted the LTVCA.
"The combination of slippery banks and fast-moving water can be dangerous," the LTVCA said. "Standing water can also present its own unseen hazards. Children, pets, and livestock should be kept away from the water."
Officials said they will continue to monitor the situation and update this flood advisory when necessary.
This advisory will be in effect until Friday morning.
