GRCA Flood Message #3 – Flood Warning

The Grand River Conservation Authority (GRCA) is issuing a Flood Warning message for Grand Valley, Waldemar, Drayton, the Village of Conestogo, New Hamburg, and Ayr. 

Weather forecast

Temperatures in the watershed have increased to double digits above freezing overnight and are expected to remain high for the remainder of the day. A mixed precipitation event, including snow, freezing rain, and rain, began yesterday and continued overnight throughout the watershed. This has resulted in approximately 40 to 80 mm of total precipitation and increased runoff throughout the watershed.

Flood Warning Message for Grand Valley and Waldemar

River flows are expected to exceed channel capacity and peak midday Thursday, April 3. Municipal flood coordinators in Grand Valley and Waldemar have been advised to notify affected properties and monitor conditions.

Flood Warning Message for Drayton

River flows are expected to reach Flood Warning Zone 1 in Drayton on Thursday, April 3, during the morning. Municipal flood coordinators in the Township of Mapleton have been advised to notify affected properties and monitor conditions. Residents are encouraged to refer to the guide on the GRCA’s website for information regarding flood warning zones.

Flood Warning Message for the Village of Conestogo

River flows are expected to reach flooding thresholds in the Village of Conestogo midday Thursday, April 3. Municipal flood coordinators in the Township of Woolwich have been advised to notify affected properties and monitor conditions.

Flood Warning Message for New Hamburg

River flows are expected to reach Flood Warning Zone 2 in New Hamburg midday Thursday, April 3. Municipal flood coordinators in the Township of Wilmot have been advised to notify affected properties and monitor conditions. Residents are encouraged to refer to the guide on the GRCA’s website for information regarding flood warning zones.

Flood Warning Message for Ayr

River flows are expected to reach Flood Warning Zone 2 in Ayr on the morning of Friday, April 4. Municipal flood coordinators in the Township of North Dumfries have been advised to notify affected properties and monitor conditions. Residents are encouraged to refer to the guide on the GRCA’s website for information regarding flood warning zones.

This message will remain in effect until 12 p.m. on Saturday, April 5, 2025. 

The Watershed Conditions Statement – Water Safety issued on Friday, March 28, remains in effect for all areas of the Grand River watershed due to the continued runoff.

River conditions and forecasts are being monitored closely and updates to this message will be issued if necessary.

GRCA Reservoirs

GRCA reservoirs are at normal levels for this time of year and are being operated to reduce the impact of downstream flooding.

Stay safe 

Residents are encouraged to familiarize themselves with local municipal flood response programs and be prepared for flooding due to the elevated risk at this time.

Banks adjacent to local waterways 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 reminded to keep children and pets away from all water bodies.

More Information

·       For more information on flows, weather and reservoir conditions see the River Data section of the GRCA website.

·       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 X at grca_flood_msg.

·       More information about how the GRCA’s role in managing floods is available in the Flooding section of the website.

·       Copies of the GRCA’s River Safety Rules booklet is available by contacting the GRCA Administration Centre.

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Media Contacts:

Lisa Stocco, GRCA Director, Strategic Communications and Environmental Education
Phone 519-621-2763 x2316  |  Email lstocco@grandriver.ca