The Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority has issued a flood watch for the area.
The conservation authority says over the last 24 hours, the lower Thames River watershed has received between 5 mm and 40 mm of rainfall. The extensive rainfall has prevented the local watershed from drying out following the precipitation earlier in the week, and the ground can no longer absorb the water. This may cause flooding in some areas with local watercourses expected to spill their banks.
The conservation authority will monitor the situation and says it may need to operate the Indian-McGregor Creek Diversion Channel sometime overnight or early Monday morning in order to prevent flooding in the south end of Chatham.
Residents are also advised to use caution around the Thames River, as well as ditches and streams. Standing water can also present a hazard.
The flood watch will remain in effect until Wednesday morning.
