Flood watch for entire Grand River watershed, warning for Speed River

NEWS RELEASE
GRAND RIVER CONSERVATION AUTHORITY
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The Grand River Conservation Authority (GRCA) is issuing the following combined Flood Warning/Watch message for the Grand River watershed due to the anticipated runoff from snowmelt and the continued potential for ice jams. This message replaces GRCA Flood Message #3, previously in effect.

Warm temperatures are expected to continue through the day today and remain above seasonal through the weekend. These temperatures, combined with approximately 15-20 mm of rainfall forecasted to begin on Friday evening, will result in minor flooding in low-lying areas. River flows are expected to peak early Friday morning, but will remain elevated through the remainder of the week.

At this time a Flood Warning is being issued for:

• Speed River (Cambridge): Municipal Flood Coordinators in the City of Cambridge are advised to close the Mill Run Trail under Highway 401 and monitor conditions at Blackbridge Road.

A Flood Watch remains in effect for all other areas of the Grand River watershed. Conditions will be monitored closely through the weekend and updates will be issued as necessary. Municipal Flood Coordinators in Flood Watch areas are advised to take any necessary precautions to prepare for the possibility of flooding.

Ice on local waterbodies, where it remains, has been significantly weakened, resulting in extremely unsafe conditions. The public is asked to stay off all water bodies. Accessing frozen water bodies puts both the public and municipal first responders at risk. Anyone who falls through the ice could experience hypothermia and death within minutes.  

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 remain in effect until 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, March 22, 2022 and will be updated if necessary.

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 through 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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