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Date and Time Issued: Thursday, February 17, 2022 at 12:45 p.m.
The Grand River Conservation Authority (GRCA) is issuing the following combined Flood Warning/Flood Watch message. This message replaces the Flood Watch previously in effect.
Warm temperatures are expected to continue through the day before dropping below freezing on Thursday afternoon. The resulting snowmelt, combined with 20-40 mm of rainfall overnight across the Grand River watershed will result in some flooding in low-lying areas. While much of the rainfall has ended, river flows will remain elevated through the remainder of the week.
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 due to the continued runoff and potential for ice movement. Conditions will be monitored closely and updates will be issued as necessary. Municipal Flood Coordinators in Flood Watch areas are advised to take any necessary actions to prepare for the possibility of flooding due to ice jams.
- Grand River (Brantford): Some movement of ice is being seen on the Grand River through the City of Brantford, resulting in minor ice jams, however significant ice jams are not anticipated at this time. Municipal Flood Coordinators are advised to continue monitoring conditions.
Most local waterways remain ice covered and there are no significant ice jams in place at the present time. Significant flooding is not anticipated with this event, however, the potential for flooding due to ice jams remains wherever ice is present in the river system. Further, residents are encouraged to familiarize themselves with local municipal flood response programs and are prepared for flooding due to the elevated risk with this event.
Ice on local waterbodies has been significantly weakened during this event, resulting in extremely unsafe ice conditions. The public is asked to stay off all unmonitored water bodies due to unsafe conditions. Accessing frozen natural 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.
GRCA reservoirs
GRCA reservoirs are at their normal operating level for this time of year and conditions are being monitored closely. The GRCA’s major dams are being operated to manage downstream flooding and reduce frazil ice generation where possible in an effort to help decrease the potential for ice jams downstream.
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 pets away from all water bodies.
This message will remain in effect until 4:30pm on Friday, February 18, 2022 and will be updated if necessary.