Conservation officials are closely monitoring conditions along the Thames River as water levels rise in Chatham-Kent.
A flood warning remains in effect for the river and local watercourses.
As of Wednesday morning, the river had peaked upstream of Thamesville. The river is expected to peak in Chatham overnight Wednesday or Thursday morning. Officials with the Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority (LTVCA) said basement flooding for businesses along King Street is now imminent.
Water levels have gone up 0.5 metres in Chatham since Tuesday at 12 p.m. and are expected to rise another 0.5m.
Flooding remains a possibility for Siskind Court, Chatham Street, Salter Street and William Street at Water Street.
"Heavy rains over the weekend have caused flooding on the Thames River for the third winter in a row," read a release from the LTVCA. "Water levels upstream are dropping, but they are expected to continue rising downstream for a couple more days."
A change in wind direction may also cause flooding in Lighthouse Cove. Conservation officials said northwest winds on Thursday may gust up to 50 kilometres per hour, which may cause lake levels to rise approximately 15 centimetres, in turn causing water levels in the Thames River to rise.
A flood warning also remains in effect for the Wallaceburg-area as several roads remain closed.
Residents are reminded to be careful around fast-moving water and avoid slippery banks.
Flood waters are now touching the walls of some businesses on King Street in Chatham. #ltvca #ckont #onstorm pic.twitter.com/bRZB4OKODL
— Jason Homewood (@Jason_Homewood) January 15, 2020
