Banks adjacent to local waterways are very slippery and, when combined with fast-moving water, pose a serious hazard, warns the Grand River Conservation Authority in a news release.
With a slow-moving weather system crossing the central portion of the Grand River watershed today, resulting in 20-40 mm of rain in some areas, Guelph, Kitchener and Cambridge have received a considerable downpour through the morning, with more expected before the system moves out Saturday afternoon.
While widespread river flooding is not expected, there may be some in urban areas if municipal storm water systems become overwhelmed. Periods of heavy rain can also cause flows in rivers and streams to increase quickly and without warning, the release adds. Recreational users on local waterways should be aware of the current conditions and exercise additional caution. The GRCA’s multi-purpose reservoirs are being operated to help manage downstream flows. Stored water is being released to return them to their normal level for this time of year.
Parents are reminded to keep children and pets away from local waterways. This message will remain in effect until Monday.
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.
