Flood watch issued for our area

The Grand River Conservation Authority has issued a flood watch for our area. Flows are expected to peak in the Grand River through the City of Brantford on Friday evening.

A weather system is expected to bring mild temperatures and rain across the Grand River watershed on Thursday and Friday which is expected to melt much of the snow pack, resulting in increased runoff into local waterways. Some local waterways also have intact ice sheets, which may break up and shift during this event, increasing the risk of ice jam flooding. There remains some uncertainty in the current track of this weather system which may impact the timing and amount of rainfall and snow melt associated with this event.

Runoff will result in flooding in low lying areas typically prone to spring flooding. There is the potential for ice jams in Grand Valley, New Hamburg, West Montrose, Brantford, Six Nations Territory, Cayuga and Port Maitland. Ice jams can occur quickly and without warning. Residents in areas prone to ice jams should prepare accordingly. Conditions will be monitored closely.

Exercise Extreme Caution

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 and off frozen water bodies, which will be weakened as a result of the warming trend.

Please refer to GRCA’s website for more information. 

 To report severe weather, please email ONstorm@canada.ca or tweet reports using #ONStorm.