Increased river flows throughout Grand River watershed expected due to rain, melted snow | CBC News

The Grand River Conservation Authority is urging caution around the watershed as Thursday’s rain and melted snow are causing increased rivers flows.

A special weather statement from Environment and Climate Change Canada warned up to 25 mm of rain could fall across Waterloo region and Guelph between Thursday night and Friday morning. The rain is expected to taper off in the afternoon.

Friday is also expected to be a milder day, with temperatures expected to reach a high of 7 C.

Environment Canada says some flooding may occur in areas with poor drainage since the frozen ground won’t be able to absorb the rainfall.

GRCA says no significant flooding is expected, but river flows in local waterways “will be higher than normal for this time of year.” It may also increase the risk of flooding in low-lying areas.

“River and stream flows will remain elevated, increasing the safety risk around these areas throughout the watershed,” GRCA said on its website, adding reservoirs are being used to manage runoff and mitigate downstream flooding.

GRCA is also reminding parents to keep children and pets away from all watercourses.

“Banks adjacent to rivers and creeks are very slippery and, when combined with cold, fast-moving water, pose a serious hazard,” GRCA said. 

“Any ice-covered bodies of water are considered unsafe.”

GRCA says they will continue monitor river levels and conditions over the weekend.