The Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority (LTVCA) is advising of the potential for flooding due to rain and snowmelt.
The LTVCA reported on Friday that water levels on the Thames River and smaller watercourses will be higher over the next few days, adding that low-lying areas adjacent to the river are expected to flood due to a considerable snowpack up river.
"In the city of Chatham, the sidewalk along the river in the downtown is expected to flood over, as is Simcoe Lane under the 5th St. Bridge. Areas of potential flooding may be updated over the weekend once the river peaks in London. Water levels on the river should be expected to be elevated through next week," the conservation authority noted.
An ice jam at the mouth of the Thames River at Lighthouse Cove is also creating a risk of flooding, according to LTVCA.
"The presence of the ice jam at the mouth of the Thames River at Lighthouse Cove adds additional uncertainty to any flood forecasts. The ice jam has degraded due to the warm temperatures and will continue to weaken in the coming days. While Lighthouse Cove has no record of flooding due to ice jams caused by such thin ice, it is still possible that the jam will remain in place and be reinforced by upstream ice, causing some flooding in the community or further upstream," said LTVCA.
Conservation officials said high flows in the past, combined with an ice jam, have backed up water all the way into Chatham to a level that would require the 6th St. Dam to be operated.
People are being asked to avoid the river, ditches, and streams because slippery banks, unstable ice conditions, and fast-moving cold water can be dangerous.
The LTVCA also reminds the public that any remaining ice on watercourses should be considered unsafe.
