It’s going to be a wet day in Chatham-Kent.
Environment Canada has issued a rainfall warning for the area with between 20 and 45mm of rain over the next day or two.
The Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority has issued a flood outlook, saying the Thames River is already elevated because of recent rain and melting snow.
According to the LTVCA statement, heavy rains could lead to ponding and localized flooding in low lying areas. The rain and melting snow will cause water levels to rise on our smaller local watercourses. Some of our smaller local watercourses could spill their banks into adjacent natural floodplain areas.
Officials say that while the McGregor Creek Diversion Channel did not need to be operated during last week’s rain, it’s possible it may need to be put into operation this week given elevated water levels and previously saturated ground.
People should take caution and avoid the river, ditches, and streams. The combination of slippery banks and fast-moving cold water can be dangerous. Standing water can also present its own unseen hazards. Children, pets and livestock should be kept away from the water.