The Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority (LTVCA) has issued a flood warning from Delaware to Chatham.
The conservation authority said that between 40 and 60 millimetres of rain, melting snow, and more wet weather in the forecast will see the water levels in the Thames River continue to rise.
Smaller watercourses in the area have already flooded into adjacent low-lying areas. The LTVCA said that those watercourses have peaked and water levels are beginning to drop, though areas of ponding, standing water, and localized flooding may stick around for a few more days.
The Thames River continues to rise in response to the rains and the water making its way into the river from smaller creeks and streams.
"The river is already flooding the low-lying river flats from Delaware down to Chatham," a release from the LTVCA said. "As the water from upstream makes its way downstream, further flooding of the river flats should be anticipated. However, flooding of the upper tablelands is not expected," the release continued.
The McGregor Creek Diversion Channel at Chatham is currently in operation and the 6th Street Backwater Dam and Pumping Station will begin operating on Saturday morning.
According to the conservation authority, flooding in basements along King St. in Chatham's downtown should be expected. However, residential areas along the river are not expected to see flooding at this time.
People, pets, and livestock should take extra caution and avoid the river, ditches, and streams as the combination of slippery banks and fast-moving, cold water can be hazardous.
Any remaining ice on the river or smaller watercourses should also be considered unstable and dangerous.
The flood warning will remain in place until February 1.
