The Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority (LTVCA) is warning that with more rain on the way, flooding is possible in specific watercourses.
The LTVCA said water levels in Chatham-Kent could be similar to those seen during the February 2018 flood.
The forecasts are calling for another 35-40 millimetres of rain on Friday night and Saturday and the conservation authority said any rain will add to the current flooding peak as it reaches Chatham-Kent, adding that Thamesville could get hit the worst.
"At Thamesville, peak water levels on the river caused by the recent rains are expected to arrive about the same time as the Friday/Saturday rains. With the Thames River already high, the creeks that run through the community will have issues draining the rain away," said LTVCA. "Depending on how much rain falls, and its timing, there could be flooding in Thamesville from the creeks or from the Thames River."
The conservation authority also said the sidewalk along the river in downtown Chatham is already flooded over. Depending on how much rain falls and its timing, the potential flooding could reach basements along King Street that back onto the river, Siskind Court, William Street near Water, Salter Street, Thames Street around Pitt and Kent, and Pegley Court.
There could also be flooding on streets near Indian Creek in south Chatham and upstream of the 6th Street Dam if there is excessive rain and the flood control infrastructure for south Chatham can’t keep up, according to the LTVCA.
The conservation authority said it expects to have to operate the 6th Street Dam, adding that the McGregor Creek Diversion Channel in Chatham is currently diverting McGregor Creek flows around the city.
Some bridge crossings over the Thames River across Chatham-Kent could also be impacted, depending on how much rain falls, and its timing, noted the LTVCA.
The LTVCA is advising municipalities, emergency services, and property owners in flood-prone areas to prepare for possible flooding in specific watercourses.
On Friday morning, the municipality noted Chatham-Kent Fire and Rescue Services have crews patrolling flood prone areas across the region to monitor community safety.
CK residents are encouraged to sign up for CK Alert, the municipality’s new emergency alert service, at www.CKAlert.ca to receive notifications in the event a flooding-related emergency takes place.
The LTVCA will continue with their regular flood watch/warning notifications.
The municipality also said those living in the Thames Street homeless encampment in downtown Chatham are being encouraged to move away from the water for their safety.
The St. Clair Region Conservation Authority (SCRCA) has also issued a flood warning that could impact waterways in the Wallaceburg area.
The flood watch is in affect until Tuesday.