Grand River Conservation Authority issues Watershed Conditions Statement - Flood Outlook

The Grand River Conservation Authority (GRCA) has shared the following Watershed Conditions Statement – Flood Outlook:

Heavy rainfall across the Grand River watershed on Tuesday morning, combined with the rainfall from last week, has resulted in very saturated soil conditions, making the watershed very reactive to further rain. Rain and thunderstorms are expected for the rest of the day on Tuesday, July 16. Parts of the watershed have received 60 mm of rain during the past 24 hours and another 10 to 20 mm of rain is in the forecast for the rest of the day. Thunderstorms may further increase the amount of rainfall in localized areas.

Water levels and flows in rivers and streams throughout the watershed are elevated. The forecasted rain, combined with isolated thunderstorms, will increase water levels further. Periods of heavy rain can also cause flows in rivers and streams to increase quickly and without warning. While widespread riverine flooding is not expected, there may be some flooding in low lying areas near watercourses and in urban areas if drainage systems are overwhelmed.

GRCA reservoirs

The reservoirs will continue to be operated to manage runoff and reduce 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 fast-moving water, pose a serious hazard. Parents are reminded to keep their children and pets away from all watercourses. Recreational users on local waterways should be aware of the current conditions and exercise additional caution.

River conditions and forecasts are being monitored closely. This message will remain in effect until noon on Friday, July 19, 2024.

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.