NEWS RELEASE
GRAND RIVER CONSERVATION AUTHORITY
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2:17 p.m. update:
The Grand River Conservation Authority (GRCA) is issuing the following updated combined flood warning/flood watch message.
The strong low-pressure system that moved into the region early Friday, March 31, resulted in 30-60 mm of rain throughout the Grand River watershed. Thunderstorms overnight resulted in periods of intense rainfall. The updated forecast now indicates additional rainfall, in the amount of approximately 10 to 15 mm on Saturday afternoon.
The GRCA anticipates local water levels will continue to rise as watercourses react to runoff. River flows will remain elevated through the coming week as runoff from this rain event drains through the river system.
Flood warnings
New Hamburg: River flows are expected to reach Flood Warning Zone 1 in New Hamburg on Saturday afternoon into the evening. Municipal flood coordinators in the Township of Wilmot have been advised to notify affected properties and monitor conditions. Residents are encouraged to refer to the guide on the GRCA’s website for information regarding flood warning zones.
Drayton: The flood warning for Drayton remains in effect. River flows have reached Flood Warning Zone 1 in Drayton at the time of this message. Municipal flood coordinators in the Township of Mapleton have been advised to notify affected properties and monitor conditions. Residents are encouraged to refer to the guide on the GRCA’s website for information regarding flood warning zones.
West Montrose: The flood warning for West Montrose remains in effect. River flows have reached Flood Warning Zone 1 in West Montrose. Municipal flood coordinators in the Township of Woolwich have been advised to notify affected properties and monitor conditions. Residents are encouraged to refer to the guide on the GRCA’s website for information regarding flood warning zones.
10:36 a.m. update:
The Grand River Conservation Authority (GRCA) is issuing the following updated combined flood warning/flood watch message.
The strong low-pressure system that moved into the region early Friday, March 31, resulted in 30-60 mm of rain throughout the Grand River watershed. Thunderstorms overnight resulted in periods of intense rainfall. Approximately five to 10 mm of additional rain is expected on Saturday afternoon.
The GRCA anticipates local water levels to continue to rise as watercourses react to runoff. River flows will remain elevated through the coming week as runoff from this rain event drains through the river system.
Flood Warnings
Drayton: River flows are expected to reach Flood Warning Zone 1 in Drayton on Saturday morning. Municipal flood coordinators in the Township of Mapleton have been advised to notify affected properties and monitor conditions. Residents are encouraged to refer to the guide on the GRCA’s website for information regarding flood warning zones.
West Montrose: The flood warning for West Montrose remains in effect. River flows have reached Flood Warning Zone 1 in West Montrose. Municipal flood coordinators in the Township of Woolwich have been advised to notify affected properties and monitor conditions. Residents are encouraged to refer to the guide on the GRCA’s website for information regarding flood warning zones.
Flood Watch
A flood watch remains in effect for all other areas of the Grand River watershed due to the continued runoff. Municipal flood coordinators in Cambridge have been advised to monitor conditions and close the bridge on Blackbridge Road and walking trails in low-lying areas near the Speed River if necessary.
Conditions are being monitored closely and updates will be issued as necessary. Residents are encouraged to familiarize themselves with local municipal flood response programs and be prepared for flooding due to the elevated risk at this time.
Original release:
The Grand River Conservation Authority (GRCA) is issuing the following combined flood warning/flood watch message.
The strong low-pressure system that moved into the region early Friday, March 31, has resulted in 30-60 mm of rain throughout the Grand River watershed. Thunderstorms overnight resulted in periods of intense rainfall.
The GRCA expects local water levels to continue to rise this weekend as watercourses react to runoff. While much of the rainfall has ended, river flows will remain elevated through the coming week as runoff from this rain event drains through the river system.
A flood warning is being issued for:
West Montrose: River flows are expected to reach Flood Warning Zone 1 in West Montrose on Saturday morning. Municipal flood coordinators in the Township of Woolwich have been advised to notify affected properties and monitor conditions. Residents are encouraged to refer to the guide on the GRCA’s website for information regarding flood warning zones.
A flood watch is being issued for all other areas of the Grand River watershed due to the continued runoff. Municipal flood coordinators in Cambridge have been advised to monitor conditions and close the bridge on Blackbridge Road and walking trails in low-lying areas near the Speed River if necessary.
Conditions are being monitored closely, and updates will be issued as necessary. Residents are encouraged to familiarize themselves with local municipal flood response programs and be prepared for flooding due to the elevated risk at this time.
GRCA reservoirs
GRCA reservoirs are at their normal level for this time of year and are being operated to manage downstream flooding.
Stay safe
Banks adjacent to local waterways are very slippery and, when combined with cold, fast-moving water, pose a serious hazard. Parents are encouraged to keep children and pets away from all water bodies.
This message will be in effect until Thursday, April 6, And will be updated as needed.
More information
- For more information on flows, weather, and reservoir conditions, see the River Data section of the GRCA website.
- Safety information for parents and children is available in the GRCA’s River Safety Rules booklet.
- More information on the flood warning system is available on the GRCA website.
- Receive GRCA flood messages by e-mail by subscribing to the GRCA website.
- Follow GRCA flood messages on Twitter at grca_flood_msg.
- More information about how the GRCA manages floods is available in the Flooding section of the website.
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