GRCA Flood Message #3 - Flood Warning
Date and Time Issued: Thursday, April 3, 2025, at 7:30 a.m.
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. The Flood Warning message previously issued for West Montrose remains in effect.
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 (Action) Message for Grand Valley and Waldemar
River flows are expected to exceed channel capacity and peak midday Thursday. Municipal flood coordinators in Grand Valley and Waldemar have been advised to notify affected properties and monitor conditions.
Flood Warning (Action) Message for Drayton
River flows are expected to reach Flood Warning Zone 1 in Drayton on Thursday 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 (Action) Message for the Village of Conestogo
River flows are expected to reach flooding thresholds in the Village of Conestogo midday Thursday. Municipal flood coordinators in the Township of Woolwich have been advised to notify affected properties and monitor conditions.
Flood Warning (Action) Message for New Hamburg
River flows are expected to reach Flood Warning Zone 2 in New Hamburg midday Thursday. 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 (Action) Message for Ayr
River flows are expected to reach Flood Warning Zone 2 in Ayr on Friday morning. 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 Flood Warning Zone 1 issued for West Montrose on Monday, March 31 remains in effect.
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.