Flood Watch issued for Brantford, Dunnville, Grand River area

The Grand River Conservation Authority (GRCA) has issued a Flood Watch for areas prone to river flooding and ice jams.

The conservation authority is warning that due to warmer temperatures on Friday and expected precipitation, communities should prepare for possible flooding.

It says about 10-15 millimeters of rain is expected Friday and it has estimated about 30-80 mm of water could melt off from the snow on the ground already.

Temperatures are expected to reach low double-digits on Friday.

The GRCA says that water levels through Brantford are already elevated and that there is a risk of an ice jam lower in the runoff of the Grand River.

Communities in Brantford, Brant County, Six Nations and Haldimand County are encouraged to monitor conditions and take necessary actions. Saying areas prone to ice jams should take particular care.

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An ice jam is when chunks of ice flow down a body of water and collect in one place, causing a dam and stopping water from flowing as it should.

The GRCA says communities with a history of ice jams are Brantford, Dunnville, Paris, Cayuga, Cambridge, Wolverton, Ayr, New Hamburg, Drayton, Grand Valley and West Montrose.

The conservation authority covers a large area between Dunnville and Dundalk, Ont.

It advises residents to exercise caution around waterways and to keep children and pets away from them altogether. It is also warning the public to stay off ice-covered waterbodies as it is unsafe.

The Flood Watch is expected to remain in effect until Monday.

The GRCA posts flood updates to its X profile.

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