The Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority has issued a flood watch for Chatham-Kent due to heavy rainfall in the forecast.
The conservation authority says localized flooding is possible with 40-70 mm of rain expected on Thursday and into Saturday. The watershed has already received 30-50 mm of rainfall over the past week, causing the ground to become saturated.
Local watercourses are also running higher than usual due to the recent weather.
The conservation authority expects that it will be operating the Indian-McGregor Creek Diversion Channel to protect the south end of Chatham from flooding. Conservation officials may also have to operate the 6th St. Backwater Dam and Pumping Station in downtown Chatham to prevent the Thames River from flooding back up McGregor Creek.
Winds gusting up to 55 km/h are expected, and have the potential to raise lake levels in the region. Residents along the Lake Erie shoreline are advised to take precautions.
The Thames River is expected remain high until the middle of next week. The flood watch will remain in effect until May 10.