A flood warning for Chatham-Kent is expected to remain in place through the Easter weekend.
The Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority first issued the flood warning on Tuesday morning for areas along the Thames River in Chatham-Kent and local watercourses.
In an update on Wednesday morning, officials with the conservation authority said water levels have now peaked in Chatham and will remain near peak levels throughout the day.
With another 10 to 30 millimetres of rain expected throughout Wednesday, high water levels on the Thames River in downstream areas should also be expected to last into the weekend.
"Water levels on the Thames River are still high enough that flooding is occurring in the low-lying, mostly agricultural, river flats adjacent to the river from Delaware down to Chatham. Water levels peaked around Thamesville early [Tuesday] evening and are slowly falling. Water levels peaked in Chatham early [Wednesday] morning and are now slowly falling as well," conservation officials said through a media release. "Water levels in the city should be expected to remain near peak levels throughout the day. If significant rainfall appears, it could keep water levels in the city high or perhaps even cause them to rise. The LTVCA is currently operating the 6th St Dam in downtown Chatham to prevent flooding in the south end of Chatham."
According to LTVCA officials, smaller watercourses in Chatham-Kent are dropping after the rain on Monday and Tuesday. However, depending on how much additional rain falls on Wednesday, smaller watercourses could rise again and spill their banks into adjacent low-lying areas
"While the smaller watercourses had been dropping, with additional rain they will rise again and many could spill their banks into adjacent low-lying areas," read the media release. "Those watercourses tributary to the Thames River will see even higher water levels, especially in areas near the river, since the Thames River is still near its peak throughout the lower Thames watershed and this will make it difficult for the water to drain away."
The flood warning is in effect until April 9.
Residents are reminded to take extra caution and avoid the river, ditches, and streams.
