With milder temperatures and rain in the forecast, conservation officials are keeping a close eye on local waterways.
Both the St Clair Region and Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority have issued a flood outlook notices with water levels in local rivers and streams expected to rise over the next several days.
Officials say a system moving through the area is expected to bring as much as 20-35mm of rain, mainly late Tuesday and through the day on Wednesday.
Frozen water is being held in the snow on the ground, leaving the soil with little ability to soak up more moisture. Officials say rain and melting snow will run off into local waterways, which could then overflow into low-lying and flood-prone areas.
The Thames River is likely to rise enough to flood the low-lying area adjacent to the river, from Delaware down to Thamesville. In Chatham, the sidewalk along the river downtown is expected to flood over.
Residents are reminded to avoid watercourses and flooded areas due to dangerous conditions, slippery banks, and unsafe ice cover.
