Local conservation authorities have extended flood outlooks and watches in and around Chatham-Kent.
Both the Thames River and the Sydenham are expected to maintain higher levels than normal and even continue to spill over as unseasonably warm and wet weather continues.
The Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority (LTVCA) announced Monday evening that the Lower Thames watershed has seen between 40 and 55 mm of rain in the past couple of days. This has caused areas of ponding, standing water, and localized flooding.
With more rain in the forecast, more flooding is expected, though the LTVCA does not anticipate it will be significant.
"Water levels on the river should be expected to rise up and flood low-lying areas adjacent to the Thames River from Delaware down to Chatham," the conservation authority said in a release.
"People should pay attention around waterways and avoid the river as well as ditches and streams. The combination of slippery banks and cold fast-flowing water can be dangerous," LTVCA warned.
The flood outlook for the Thames has been extended and will remain in effect until January 3.
In a Flood Watch from the St. Clair Region Conservation Authority (SCRCA), it's expected that more flooding will be seen along the Sydenham River.
"Water levels are continuing to rise across the region and have exceeded bankfull conditions, spilling into surrounding floodplains and onto roads," SCRCA warned.
A number of roads in the Sarnia area were closed Monday due to flooding and more predicted wet weather has extended the Flood Watch until 12 p.m. Thursday, January 2.
The Essex Region Conservation Authority (ERCA) has also extended its flood outlook statement to New Year's Day.
Water levels are expected to remain high as area watercourses drain towards Lake St. Clair, the Detroit River, and Lake Erie.
Children and pets should be kept away from the water for the time being.
All conservation authorities will be monitoring the situation closely and will update the public as water levels change.
