With the temperature rising and rain expected over the next few days, local conservation officials are warning area residents to steer clear of local waterways.
Staff with the Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority have issued a flood outlook for the region, saying as much as 10 to 25mm of rain is expected in some areas.
While most of the snow has already melted out of the lower Thames River watershed, officials say there is still a significant snowpack in the upper watershed which is expected to melt away with the warm temperatures and rain, adding to flows in the region’s watercourses.
The Thames River is also expected to rise due to the rain and melting snow. Based on the current snowpack and predicted rain, it is highly likely that the river will rise enough to flood the low-lying areas adjacent to the river, from Delaware down to Thamesville.
In Chatham, water should be expected over the sidewalk along the river downtown. If higher rainfall amounts appear, the LTVCA may need to operate the 6th St. Dam and Pumping Station.
Peak water levels are expected to arrive in the lower Thames River on Saturday and to work their way downstream over the next few days, arriving in the Chatham area early next week.
Residents should take extra caution and avoid rivers, ditches, and streams.