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GRCA flood warning

The public is encouraged to exercise caution around all local waterways
2021-05-07-GRCA1

NEWS RELEASE
GRAND RIVER CONSERVATION AUTHORITY
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The Grand River Conservation Authority is issuing the following Flood Warning message for the communities of New Hamburg, Ayr and Drayton.

Over the past 24 hours, the Grand River watershed has received between 60 mm to 100 mm of rainfall throughout. Flows in local waterways have begun to increase and are forecasted to remain elevated into the weekend, increasing the safety risk around rivers and streams throughout the watershed. Runoff from this event has caused flooding in urban areas including Schneider Creek through the City of Kitchener.

At this time, a Flood Warning is being issued for:

  • Conestogo River (Drayton): Flows in the Conestogo River through Drayton are expected to peak in Flood Warning Zone 1 early Thursday morning. Municipal Flood Coordinators have been advised to notify affected residents and monitor conditions.
     
  • Nith River (New Hamburg and Ayr): Flows in the Nith River through New Hamburg and Ayr are expected to reach Flood Warning Zone 1. Flows are expected to peak in New Hamburg midday Thursday, September 23 and through Ayr in the early morning of Friday, September 24, based on the current forecast. Municipal Flood Coordinators in these communities are advised to warn affected residents.

Municipal Flood Coordinators in Flood Warning areas are advised to take all necessary actions to prepare for the forecasted flood conditions. Residents and businesses located in the floodplain should prepare for the risk of flooding and ensure they are aware of their local municipal flood response plans.

The flood coordinator for Woolwich Township closed the low level bridge upstream of St. Jacobs at 1505 Three Bridges Road on Wednesday afternoon. It is anticipated that this closure will remain in effect throughout the weekend until flows in the Conestogo River recede.

The GRCA’s major reservoirs at Belwood, Conestogo, Guelph, Luther, Woolwich, Laurel and Shade’s Mills are being used to store runoff from this event and help reduce flooding downstream of these reservoirs. The GRCA is actively operating smaller dams at Wellesley and New Dundee to help manage the runoff from this rainfall event.

The public is encouraged to exercise caution around all local waterways. Banks adjacent to rivers and creeks are very slippery and, when combined with fast-moving water, pose a serious hazard. Parents are reminded to keep their children and pets away from all watercourses.

This message will remain in effect until noon on Friday, September 24, 2021. Updated flood messages will be issued as conditions develop and updated forecast information becomes available.

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