The Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority has issued a flood watch for parts of Chatham-Kent.
“Recent heavy rains in the the lower Thames River watershed have caused water levels around the watershed to rise rapidly. Forecasts for Friday night and Saturday are calling for an additional 35-40 mm of rain, which would add to the water already in the system and increase the risk of flooding,” Municipal officials said in a media release.
“The Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority (LTVCA) is advising that water levels in both Chatham and Thamesville could rise to similar levels seen during the February 2018 flood.”
Municipal officials added: “In Chatham proper, the LTVCA expects the 6th St. Dam to be activated. The sidewalk along the river in the downtown has already flooded. Depending on how much rain falls, and its timing, potential flooding could include basements along King St. that back onto the river, Siskind Court, William Street near Water, Salter Street, Thames Street around Pitt and Kent, and Pegley Court. If there is excessive rain, and the flood control infrastructure for south Chatham can’t keep up, there could be flooding on streets near Indian Creek in south Chatham, and upstream of the 6th St. Dam.”
LTVCA flood notices can be found here: www.lowerthames-conservation.on.ca/water-management/flood-forecasting/flood-notices/
Municipal officials have reached out to community partners about the potential flooding of the encampment on Thames St.
“Outreach workers are providing warnings and encouraging those in the encampment to move away from the water for their safety,” Municipal officials say.
“This messaging and outreach will continue until the threat of flooding has passed.”
The St. Clair Region Conservation Authority (SCRCA) has also issued a flood warning for watercourses in the Petrolia/Oil Springs area.
This could impact waterways in the Wallaceburg area if conditions change.
SCRCA flood notices can be found here: www.scrca.on.ca/category/floodnotice/
“Chatham-Kent Fire & Rescue Services have crews patrolling flood prone areas in both LTVCA and SCRCA regions to monitor community safety,” Municipal officials say.
“Chatham-Kent residents are encouraged to sign up for CKAlert, the Municipality’s new emergency alert service, at www.CKAlert.ca to receive notifications in the event a flooding-related emergency takes place. This service will not replace the regular flood watch notifications provided by the LTVCA.”
Municipal officials added: “Residents are encouraged to sign up to receive updates immediately when an emergency takes place, via text, email or phone call, in order to make informed decisions to stay safe. Unlike the Federal Alert Ready system, residents will not receive notifications unless they sign up.”
