Flood warnings upgraded across the region with more rain coming
Posted Mar 9, 2026 05:31:14 AM.
Last Updated Mar 9, 2026 03:22:41 PM.
The rise in temperatures and increased rain are having impacts on Ayr and New Hamburg, with more battling through flood warnings to kick off the workweek.
It’s led to increased safety risks and even road closures around the Nith River. The Grand River Conservation Authority (GRCA) is now issuing flood warnings to nearby communities.
“Warm weather and rain over the past four days have melted the snowpack and have led to ice jams and flooding,” said GRCA in a release. “The air temperature is expected to remain above zero today, approaching 14 C in the northern part of the watershed, and will remain above freezing until Wednesday night, which will continue melting the remaining snowpack.”
It means residents could see increased water levels, rising to meet the rear of buildings that front Northumberland Street in downtown Ayr or even begin pouring onto sidewalks and streets across those neighbourhoods.
GRCA said those areas along the Nith River reached Flood Warning Zone 2 levels Sunday evening, and rose to Zone 3 levels by Monday afternoon.
GRCA, Director of flood operations, Vahid Taleban told 570 NewsRadio, the Nith presents a particular problem when it comes to flooding.
“I like to remind folks that the Nith River is not a regulated system. Meaning, there are no dams to provide and benefit in regards to flood management.”
Those flood warnings have now been upgraded to Flood Warning Zone 3 for Ayr, Brantford and some portions of North Dumfries, with Zone 2 warnings across New Hamburg, West Montrose, and Paris.
Other flood warnings have also been issued across St. Jacobs, Grand Valley, and the Village of Conestogo.
So, how does the flood risk this year compare to years past? Taleban said this was winter for the record books.
“In some of the very northern portions of the watershed we saw snow depths we’ve never seen before. The snowfall equivalent hadn’t been seen since the 1970’s, almost 50 years. That, combined with the very rapid climb in temperatures we saw over the weekend resulted in a very fast response.”
Above-average snow accumulation, coupled with double-digit daytime highs, is a recipe for accelerated snow melt. Add on to that 20 to 40 mm of rainfall, and the situation could change quickly.
“High flows and unstable ice conditions will increase the safety risk around rivers and streams throughout the watershed,” GRCA stated. “The public is encouraged to exercise extreme caution around local waterways. Parents are reminded to keep their children and pets away from watercourses.”
The GRCA advises property owners to report flooding to their municipal flood coordinator.
Flooding is impacting roads, including:
- Tannery Street, Ayr, from Northumberland Street to Stanley Street
- Holland Mills Road, New Hamburg, from Bleams Road to Huron Road
- Lisbon Road, Wilmot, from Nafziger Road to the east end
GRCA stated that, as of now, there are no concerns of flooding associated with the Grand River, which flows through North Dumfries. It said the current warnings and recommendations are expected to remain in place until Wednesday, March 11.
With more rain and warmer temperatures expected to last through to Wednesday in Waterloo Region, those flood risks could continue to increase.
It’s recommended that residents across Waterloo Region monitor their city’s and township’s websites, social media accounts, and the GRCA’s site for the latest details on flood impacts across their communities.
