Officials in Chatham-Kent are warning the floodwaters in the Thames River continue to rise, but the rate of increase has slowed — slightly.
In a media release, the Thames River is reported to have peaked at 7am in Thamesville with street flooding lower than expected.
The river is expected to peak in Chatham between 7pm and 9pm on Saturday.
The floodwaters are rushing by at a rate of 800 cubic meters per second, prompting officials to warn of very dangerous conditions.
“There have been many individuals drawn to the river bank, but we’re urging extreme caution,” says Randy Hope, mayor of Chatham-Kent in the media release. “A current of this magnitude can sweep you away in a second.”
The Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority says water levels already match that of the 1977 flood and could rise another foot — putting low-lying homes, basements and streets at risk.
The John D. Bradley Centre remains open through the day as an emergency shelter. For more information, call 519-360-1998.