The high water levels on the Thames River that are causing flooding in the city of London right now are on their way to Chatham-Kent.
The Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority (LTVCA) has issued a flood warning for the region with peak water levels on the river expected to reach Thamesville and Chatham late Friday. The release says the flows in London are even higher than the ones that caused flooding in 1977 and 2008/2009. As a result, flooding is expected in Thamesville and any properties that back onto the river along King St. in Chatham.
Officials say the timing of basement flooding is "still uncertain" adding that businesses along the river should be prepared by Thursday morning. There is also expected to be flooding on some of the low roads that run along the Thames in Chatham including Siskind Court, the area around William St. and Water St., Salter St., the west area of Pegley Court, and the low portion of the Thames St. along the river.
LTVCA officials note that most of the ice that was on the river has broken up, though, and is now making its way into Lake St. Clair without any signs of jamming.
As a precaution ahead of the anticipated flooding, officials say residents whose properties back onto area waterways should "secure their properties and remove any items that could be damaged by flooding or get loose and become floating debris." If you have any catch basins or other drainage works, you should also make sure those are free of debris and can function properly.
LTVCA staff say they are currently operating the Indian-McGregor Creek Diversion Channel to protect the south end of the City of Chatham from flooding.
They will continue to monitor the situation and will provide updates if necessary.