Businesses along King Street in Chatham should prepare for flooded basements as water levels along the Thames River rise over the next couple of days.
Heavy rainfall prompted the local conservation authority to issue a flood warning on Sunday afternoon for the Thames River and local watercourses throughout the watershed.
According to the Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority (LTVCA), between 55 to 100 mm of rain was received in the area since Friday. As a result, ditches, creeks and the Thames River are rising.
"Late last night, the LTVCA had to close the Rivard Dam on the outskirts of the City of Chatham to protect the south side of Chatham from flooding. The closure of the dam allows us to divert all of the McGregor Creek flood water around the city rather than combining with Indian Creek’s flood water and flooding south Chatham," the LTVCA said in a release.
Additionally, the Thames River waterflows coming out of the London area are expected to remain high and peak Sunday afternoon which could result in flooding across the region.
"As the peak works its way through the system, it is expected to cause flooding in flood flats and in low-lying areas adjacent to the river and its associated tributaries," said the LTVCA. " The river is currently expected to peak Monday afternoon in Dutton, Wednesday morning in Thamesville, and late Wednesday night in Chatham."
The LTVCA said that they expect the flooding of basements of businesses along King Street in the downtown Chatham core. It could also result in flooding of Siskind Court, the south side of Thames Street, and Thames Grove Conservation Area in Chatham. Downstream of Chatham, flood waters are expected to drop fairly quickly and are not expected to be a problem in Lighthouse Cove.
"The LTVCA is preparing to operate the Sixth Street Dam at the mouth of McGregor Creek in downtown Chatham. When required, the dam will be closed and the pumps will be activated to prevent the Thames River from flooding the south side of the City of Chatham. This is expected to help prevent and/or reduce flooding of basements in the area of John Street and Mercer Street as well as flooding of Tissiman Avenue."
High water levels are expected to remain late into the week for areas throughout Chatham-Kent and the LTVCA is reminding people to be prepared.
"Residents with properties that back onto watercourses and the river should secure their properties and remove any items that could be damaged by flooding or get loose and become floating debris," stated the release. "Attempts should also be made to ensure that catch basins and other drainage works are free of debris and can function properly."
The flood warning will remain in effect until Thursday.