GRCA Flood Message #5 – Combined Flood Warning/Watch

Date and Time Issued: Sunday, March 20, 2022 at 11:00 a.m.
 
The Grand River Conservation Authority (GRCA) is updating the combined Flood Warning/Watch message for the Grand River watershed. This message replaces GRCA Flood Message #4, previously in effect.
A weather system that brought above seasonal temperatures and up to 25 mm of rainfall over the past week has resulted in significant snowmelt and elevated river flows across the Grand River watershed. The GRCA’s major reservoirs have been used extensively during this event to help mitigate significant downstream flooding and are now being operated to return them to a normal level for this time of year.
 
At this time a Flood Warning is being issued for:
• Grand River (Elora to West Montrose): River flows are expected to reach Flood Zone 1 in West Montrose on Sunday afternoon before returning below warning levels later this week. Municipal Flood Coordinators in the Townships of Woolwich and Centre Wellington are advised to notify affected properties and monitor conditions.
A Flood Warning remains in effect for the City of Cambridge:
• Speed River (Cambridge): Municipal Flood Coordinators in the City of Cambridge are advised to maintain the closure of the Mill Run Trail under Highway 401 and at Blackbridge Road as needed.
A Flood Watch remains in effect for all other areas of the Grand River watershed. With an additional 10-15 mm of rainfall in the forecast, river flows are expected to remain elevated through much of the upcoming week. Conditions are being monitored closely and updates will be issued as necessary.
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 Thursday, March 24, 2022 and will be updated if necessary.

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