Things are going from bad to worse in Chatham-Kent due to rising water levels along the Thames River.
A state of emergency has been declared and a voluntary evacuation order is in place for Thamesville.
Officials with the Lower Thames Convervation Authority say the Thames River will peak near Thamesville between 6pm and 9pm Friday.
Mayor Randy Hope is recommending people evacuate the area as soon as possible.
"As much as we have scientific predictions, there are still variables," says Mayor Hope. "We are asking residents to leave immediately, as the situation has the potential to deteriorate quickly."
The authority also indicates there could be half-meter of water throughout the community by this evening but warned the levels could change.
Courtesy of Chatham-Kent
Volunteer firefighters are in the process of going door to door in the village.
The municipality has activated its emergency procedures and officials are working closely with police, fire and EMS sectors as well as the Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority.