The Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority (LTVCA) has provided early notice of the potential for flooding along the upper Thames River.
The Conservation Authority issued a flood outlook statement on Tuesday, after warm temperatures and rain last week melted an estimated half of the water stored in the snow of the upper Thames River watershed.
LTVCA noted that with warm weather set to continue this week, water levels will rise and are expected to flood low-lying river flats adjacent to the river from Delaware down to Chatham.
"Without any additional rain, flooding in the city of Chatham would be expected to be limited to the sidewalk along the river in the downtown, perhaps Simcoe Lane, and other low-lying areas adjacent to the river that tend to flood frequently," read the statement from LTVCA.
However, the Conservation Authority says that since most of the snow has already melted from the lower Thames River watershed, those smaller watercourses are not expected to see water levels rise very much due to the warm temperatures, barring significant rain.
LTVCA cautions residents to avoid watercourses with high water.
Officials will continue to monitor the situation and update this advisory if necessary. The statement will be in effect until March 20.