Heavy rain bringing early spring preview, flood concerns to the region

It’s the latest chapter in Waterloo Region’s wild weather, with the winter snowfall now shifting into heavy showers.

The current forecast is calling for anywhere from 15 to 25 millimetres of rain throughout the day, with a flood watch now in effect through the Grand River Conservation Authority (GRCA).

“The river system is largely ice covered and there is a heavy snowpack across most of the watershed,” said the GRCA in a statement. “The warm conditions and rain will generate runoff and will likely be sufficient to cause the river ice cover to break up and start moving, which raises the risk of ice jam formation and associated flood potential.”

It’s causing some concern, not just for the watershed, but also for cities across Waterloo Region. The City of Kitchener is asking everyone to help “manage the melt” as those flood concerns could stretch into city streets, basements, and more across the local community.

“People need to be aware that our water courses, the creeks in the city, and the Grand River are going to be seeing a lot more water,” Nick Gollan, Manager of Utility Planning and Programs with the City of Kitchener, said. “Don’t go out to them and just stay away from those unsafe conditions.”

Gollan explained a lot of the primary concerns for flooding have been created due to the harsh winter conditions the region has battled through over the past few weeks. He said it has left the ground still fairly frozen, with snow piles still ever present across the board.

“We’ve received the most snow that we’ve seen in the winter season since 2008, and it hasn’t melted. It’s been accumulating over the winter because we haven’t had our usual January thaw, February thaw, so there’s a lot of snow accumulation.”

He mentioned it will be a real team effort in the community to ensure the impacts from the flood risks are minimal. Gollan stated the crews with the city will do what they can to tackle the city streets, but have recommendations for residents throughout Waterloo Region.

“What we’re encouraging people to do right now is to remove any snow that’s accumulated against their foundations, keep the downspouts clear, have them directed out to where the lawn would be ideally.”

He said that’s the best way to ensure your home, along with your neighbours, stays dry throughout the day and into the main portion of spring when it arrives.