A flood watch has been issued by the Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority (LTVCA).
The LTVCA said it'll be in effect for the Thames River and surrounding low-lying areas, Simcoe Lane and River Promenade in Chatham included until Monday due to heavy rain.
Conservation officials said low-lying flood flats and valley lands adjacent to the river are currently flooded between Delaware and Chatham.
They also said the promenade along the Thames River in Chatham and Simcoe Lane in Chatham under the Fifth Street Bridge are expected to flood in the coming days.
"There is a possibility of the requirement of operating the Sixth Street Dam and Pump Station in Chatham, which would include closing the Diversion Dam in order to keep water levels low on the south side of Chatham," said LTVCA spokesperson Jason Homewood.
Homewood noted high water levels and flows on the Thames River are expected to continue through the weekend.
The LTVCA noted the recent heavy rain and saturated ground has resulted in localized flooding as well as increased runoff into the Thames River.
"The Upper Thames River Conservation Authority has been operating its flood control reservoirs to reduce downstream peak flows. Given the volume of rainfall received and current flows coming out of the Upper Thames’ catchment area, flows south of London between Delaware and Chatham are flooding the river’s adjacent low-lying flats and nearby low-lying valley lands," added Homewood.
Homewood said the river is expected to peak in Chatham Friday night and if needed, both the Diversion Dam and the Sixth Street Dam will be closed and the pump station at Sixth Street will be operating.
The LTVCA advises individuals to be extra cautious and avoid the river as well as ditches and streams because slippery banks and fast-flowing water can be dangerous.
