GRAND RIVER CONSERVATION AUTHORITY
NEWS RELEASE
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The weather system forecast to move into southern Ontario over the weekend is expected to bring warm temperatures, rainfall and high winds across the Grand River watershed. The mild temperatures are expected to result in melting of the snow pack which will result in runoff into local waterways.
Mild temperatures are forecast to persist through Sunday before returning below freezing late Sunday evening. Light rainfall is expected to accompany this weather system before transitioning to snow on Sunday evening. Up to 20 mm of rainfall is expected based on the current forecast.
Runoff from this event is not anticipated to result in major flooding due to rainfall and snowmelt; however flooding of low-lying areas is expected. Many local waterways throughout the Grand River watershed are covered in ice at the present time. The potential for ice jams remain wherever ice is present in the river system.
Ice jams have formed, or remain in place, in the communities of Cayuga and Caledonia and Brantford as well as through Six Nations Territory. Due to river ice present, Grand Valley, West Montrose, and New Hamburg all face a heightened risk of ice jams during this event. Watershed residents are reminded to remain cautious as ice jams can form quickly and without warning.
Closure of the low level bridge in St. Jacobs may also be required with this event. Flood coordinators are being asked to monitor this area.
The public is reminded to exercise extreme caution and stay off all water bodies at this time. Ice cover, where it exists, will be weakened as a result of the warming trend. Banks adjacent to rivers and creeks are very slippery and, when combined with cold, fast-moving water, pose a serious hazard. Parents are encouraged to keep their children and pets away from all watercourses and off of frozen water bodies.
This message will remain in effect until noon on Monday, Feb. 25, 2019. Updated flood messages will be issued if necessary as conditions change.
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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