A wet weekend means authorities are keeping an eye on local watercourses.
The Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority (LTVCA) has issued a flood outlook from Saturday afternoon until at least Monday morning.
Forecasters are calling for periods of rain throughout the afternoon, into Saturday night, then Sunday. A total of 15 to 30 centimetres of rain are possible during that period. This could lead to localized flooding in adjacent low-lying areas.
The LTVCA's Jason Wintermute says smaller watercourses will rise but should be able to handle the rain. However, the rain in the forecast for later tonight may cause these water bodies to swell and spill their banks. Depending on rainfall amount, the LTVCA may need to operate the Indian-McGregor Creek Diversion Channel in order to protect the south end of the city of Chatham.
The Thames River has been flowing higher than normal this week, according to Wintermute, and the rain forecast may cause additional rising. If that happens, flooding may occur along the most low-lying banks adjacent to the river, such as the sidewalk in downtown Chatham.
People are being asked to take precautions and avoid the river, ditches and streams. The watershed conditions statement for the Lake Erie shoreline is also in effect.
Officials will update this information whenever it becomes necessary.