The Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority (LTVCA) has issued a flood watch for Chatham-Kent.
The conservation authority says the Thames River watershed received about 20 to 75mm of rainfall this weekend. Due to the heavy rainfall, localized flooding is occurring in some watercourses.
The McGregor Creek and the Indian Creek have both climbed about 2.6m and still haven't reached their peaks yet.
As a result, LTVCA had to close the dam at the head of the Indian-McGregor Creek Diversion Channel to protect the south end of Chatham from flooding. All water coming from the McGregor Creek watershed is now being diverted around Chatham into the Thames River. Only water from the Indian Creek watershed is flowing through Chatham.
LTVCA staff will continue to monitor the situation and re-open the dam when the risk of flooding on the south side of Chatham is gone.
People should take extra caution and avoid the shoreline, river, ditches, and streams. The combination of slippery banks and fast moving cold water can be dangerous. Children, pets, and livestock should be kept away from the water.
Officials will continue to monitor the situation and update this advisory if necessary.
This message will be in effect until Tuesday.