The Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority (LTVCA) is reporting some flooding in downtown Chatham and more could be on the way.
The LTVCA said the Thames River is running higher than usual due to the recent rain and has risen above the sidewalk in the downtown Chatham.
Environment Canada is forecasting another 10-20 mm of rain for Saturday, with localized higher amounts possible from thunderstorms.
Conservation officials said the additional rain would cause the Thames River to rise further and cause more flooding to low-lying areas near the river.
"Water levels on the lower Thames River should be expected to remain high through the weekend in upstream areas through Middlesex and Elgin, and into the middle of next week in downstream areas through Chatham-Kent," noted the conservation authority.
Conservation officials also noted that smaller waterways could rise with more rain and some could spill their banks into adjacent low-lying areas.
"While the water levels on the region’s smaller watercourses have started to drop, most are still running higher than usual. This additional rain would send water levels rising again, and some may spill their banks into adjacent low-lying areas," reported the conservation authority.
People are being asked to be extra careful and avoid the river, ditches, and streams that are running high because slippery banks and fast-moving cold water can be dangerous.
