NEWS RELEASE GRAND RIVER CONSERVATION AUTHORITY
The current weather system crossing the watershed has brought above freezing temperatures and will bring approximately 15 to 20 mm of rain during the early hours of Friday, January 26, 2024. This will result in increased river flows throughout the Grand River watershed due to runoff generated by potential snow melt and rainfall.
No significant flooding is expected with this event. However, river flows in local waterways will be higher than normal for this time of year, increasing the risk in low-lying areas typically prone to flooding. In addition, several reaches throughout the watershed are covered with ice due to recent cold temperatures. River and stream flows will remain elevated, increasing the safety risk around these areas throughout the watershed. GRCA reservoirs are being used to manage runoff and mitigate downstream flooding.
Stay safe
The public is encouraged to exercise extreme caution around all local waterways. Banks adjacent to rivers and creeks are very slippery and, when combined with cold, fast-moving water, pose a serious hazard. Any ice-covered bodies of water are considered unsafe. Parents are encouraged to keep their children and pets away from all watercourses.
River conditions and forecasts are being monitored closely. This message will remain in effect until 12 p.m. on Monday, January 29, 2024. Updated flood messages will be issued if needed.
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.
