GRCA Flood Message #2 - Flood Watch Update

The Grand River Conservation Authority is issuing the following updated Flood Watch message.

The Grand River watershed was heavily impacted by a weather system that brought mixed precipitation to much of Southern Ontario over the weekend. Much of this precipitation arrived in the form of ice pellets and freezing rain; however parts of the watershed received up to 70mm of rainfall overnight Sunday into Monday morning.

As a result of this precipitation, and the anticipated melt that will occur with warmer temperatures forecast over the next week, flows in rivers and streams will be elevated through the week. While significant flooding is not expected at this time, residents in areas typically prone to flooding should be aware of these conditions and take appropriate precautions. Conditions will be monitored closely through the week and updates will be issued as necessary.

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.

Reservoir Storage

GRCA’s major reservoirs remain at or below their normal holding levels for this time of year. Available storage capacity in these reservoirs will be used to manage runoff and reduce downstream flows.

River Data

The GRCA operates a series of gauges throughout the watershed which monitor conditions such as river flow, water level, temperature, and rainfall. Much of this information is available in near real-time on the GRCA website at www.grandriver.ca. As a result of heavy ice accretion on phone and power lines, some of this information on the website may be inaccurate. In situations where unusual spikes or drops in river flows are being reported, GRCA staff use backup systems to monitor information on flow and weather conditions.

This message will remain in effect until noon on Thursday, April 19, 2018.  Updated flood messages will be issued as necessary.

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