High water levels across Chatham-Kent are starting to drop after thunderstorms dropped as a significant amount of rain over the region in the past week.
In an update on Friday, the Lower Thames Conservation Authority (LTVCA) said the peak of this recent flood on the Thames River has now passed out into Lake St. Clair.
Floodwaters are starting to drain out of the river flats in the LTVCA’s area of Middlesex and Elgin Counties.
"Weather forecasts are not calling for any additional rain over the next week, warm temperatures are expected and the skies are expected to be sunny or partly sunny," conservation officials said through a media release. "This should help dry out the currently saturated watershed."In Chatham, the Sixth Street Dam has stopped pumping operations and has reopened but river levels are still too high to allow for the opening of the McGregor Creek Diversion Channel Dam.
Residents should continue to take extra caution and avoid the river, ditches, and streams. The combination of slippery banks and fast-moving cold water can also be dangerous.
As flood waters recede, officials ask that residents attempt to ensure that catch basins and other drainage works are free of debris and can function properly.
Debris and other waste left behind from the flooding should be properly disposed of rather than thrown back in the river.
Officials will continue to monitor the situation and update if necessary.