With heavy rain continuing in the forecast, area conservation authorities are keeping on eye on water levels.
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A strong low-pressure weather system is currently moving across the province. Environment Canada issued a special weather statement, with the lower Thames River watershed already seeing 10 to 15 millimeters since rain started Wednesday night.
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Forecasts call for an additional 15 to 30 mm Thursday and another 10 to 15 mm Friday. But thunderstorms could produce localized higher amounts.
“The amount of rain in the forecasts will create ponding, areas of standing water and localized flooding,” Lower Thames Valley authority officials said in a release Thursday. “This rain will also cause our smaller watercourses to rise, and some could spill their banks into adjacent low-lying areas.”
Given the forecast, the LTVCA expects to operate the McGregor Creek diversion channel in Chatham.
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“Significant flooding along the lower Thames River is not expected at this time,” officials added. “However, the river will rise and may reach into some low-lying areas immediately adjacent to the river.”
River levels are expected to remain high into early next week, they added.
The St. Clair Region authority isn’t expecting significant flooding, but local creek and stream levels are expected to rise.
“Soils are anticipated to become saturated from the rain and could contribute to ponding, increased run-off into watercourses, and possible increased erosion and seepage issues,” officials said. “Rising water levels may spill into natural floodplain areas, parks and fields.”
Authority officials urged caution and said people should avoid waterways and keep children and pets away.
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