Stay away from the river banks.
That’s the word from municipal and conservation authority officials in the wake of recent rainfall in Chatham-Kent, and, more importantly, to the east.
Flow from the heavier rain that hit north and east of us this week is still coming down the Thames and Sydenham rivers. As of Thursday afternoon, the Thames River was up to the top of the downtown docks, and expected to continue to rise.
In Wallaceburg, the Sydenham was also up significantly, as was Running Creek.
Chatham-Kent Fire Chief Chris Case said despite a decent forecast ahead, he advises people to stay away from the rivers.
“We are reminding C-K residents to avoid watercourses and flooded areas due to dangerous conditions. Let’s keep everyone safe by staying away from the river and standing water,” he said in a media release. “Although weather forecasts are not currently calling for any significant rainfall events, our crews are always standing by and ready to respond.”
According to Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority (LTVCA) officials, low-lying areas near the Thames River are flooded between Delaware and Chatham, and the water is expected to continue to rise for several days.
That means the promenade along the river in Chatham, as well as parts of Simcoe Lane are expected to flood.
LTVCA personnel expect the high water levels in Chatham to persist over the weekend.
