A wet weekend has prompted the Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority (LTVCA) to warn the public about possible flooding.
At the same time, Environment Canada is warning of possible freezing rain as the temperature drops suddenly to the freezing mark late Saturday.
Current forecasts are calling for 20-40 mm of rain on Saturday and 20-35 mm on Sunday with the possibility of thundershowers that could lead to local flooding. The conservation authority says water levels could rise on many of the region’s smaller waterways and many would spill their banks.
In Chatham-Kent, the LTVCA could have to operate the McGregor Creek Diversion to protect the south end of Chatham from flooding.
The LTVCA adds that water levels on the Thames River could rise and remain high most of next week with the peak reaching upstream on Monday. The conservation authority says people should be careful and avoid the river, ditches, and streams because of dangerous and slippery banks and fast moving cold water.
A flood outlook statement will remain in effect until Monday.