Upper Thames River Conservation Authority is urging residents to steer clear of streams, ditches, and rivers with heavy rains forecast for Wednesday.
Although forecasts range from 30-75mm of rain, the message remains the same across the watershed: use extreme caution near all watercourses and stay out of all flooded areas.
Rain is expected to start late Wednesday morning until early Thursday morning.
Ground conditions are already saturated from spring runoff and rain over the past weekend, and not able to absorb more water.
If the lower amounts materialize, the UTRCA expects flows to be similar to those experienced in late March, with minor flooding in low lying areas.
If the higher forecasts are accurate, levels may rise to those experienced in February 2018, or possibly above, with more significant flooding.
UTRCA expects peaks on the main river should crest Thursday afternoon in upstream areas (Mitchell, Stratford, Tavistock), and later Thursday evening and into the early hours on Friday in London.
UTRCA will operate its flood control reservoirs at Fanshawe, Wildwood, and Pittock Conservation Areas to reduce downstream flooding.
