Flood warning updated for Nith River

NEWS RELEASE
GRCA
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The Grand River Conservation Authority is issuing the following combined Flood Warning/Flood Watch message. This message replaces Flood Message #1.

Warm temperatures combined with between 10-20 mm of rainfall across the Grand River watershed earlier this week has resulted in snowmelt and increased runoff into local waterways. Cooler temperatures have returned to the watershed, however flows on local waterways will remain elevated through the rest of the week.  Ice on local waterways, where it still exists, may break up and shift during this event, increasing the risk of ice jam flooding.

Runoff from this weather event is causing flooding in low-lying areas typically prone to spring flooding. Conditions will continue to be monitored closely.

A Flood Warning is being updated for: 

• Nith River (Ayr): Flows in the Nith River through New Hamburg peaked early Wednesday morning, slightly higher than forecast and have now returned below warning levels. Flows through Ayr are expected to peak Wednesday afternoon and may reach Flood Warning Zone 2. Municipal Flood Coordinators in Ayr are advised to warn affected residents.

A Flood Watch remains in place for the entire Grand River watershed due to the runoff and potential for additional ice movement.

GRCA’s major reservoirs at Belwood, Conestogo, Guelph, Luther, Woolwich, Laurel, and Shade’s Mills are being used to store runoff from this event and reduce flooding downstream of these reservoirs.

GRCA Ice Fishing

Ice Fishing has now been closed for the season at all GRCA Conservation Areas.

Stay Safe

The public is reminded to exercise extreme caution around all water bodies. Banks adjacent to rivers and creeks are very slippery at this time and, when combined with current weather conditions, pose a serious hazard. Parents are encouraged to keep their children and pets away from all watercourses and off frozen water bodies, which will be weakened as a result of the warming trend.

This message will remain in effect until 4:00pm on Thursday March 12, 2020.  Updated flood messages will be issued as conditions develop and better forecast information becomes available.

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