NEWS RELEASE
GRAND RIVER CONSERVATION AUTHORITY
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Current weather forecasts indicate a widespread system that has the potential to impact the watershed with heavy rainfall through this weekend and into Tuesday next week. Rainfall totals over a five-day period are expected to reach upwards of 90mm based on the current forecast.
This amount of rainfall, combined with wet or frozen ground is expected to result in elevated flows in rivers and streams across the watershed.
Flood Coordinators should monitor conditions closely and be prepared to warn residents in areas upstream of major reservoirs, such as Grand Valley and Drayton, and in unregulated areas, such as New Hamburg and Ayr on the Nith River.
Residents in areas typically prone to flooding should be aware of these conditions and take appropriate precautions. Conditions will be monitored closely through the weekend and updates will be issued as necessary.
Reservoir Storage
Dry conditions in March have resulted in the GRCA’s major reservoirs operating 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.
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.
This message will remain in effect until noon on Tuesday, April 17, 2018. Updated flood messages will be issued as conditions develop and better forecast information becomes available.
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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