The rise in temperatures and increased rain seen across much of Waterloo Region is having its impacts, with Ayr and New Hamburg battling through flood warnings to kick off the work week.
It’s led to increased safety risks and even road closures around the Nith River, with the Grand River Conservation Authority (GRCA) issuing Zone 2 flood warnings along those nearby communities.
“Warm weather and rain over the past 3 days have melted the snowpack and have led to ice jams and flooding,” said the GRCA in a release. “The air temperature is expected to remain above zero today, approaching 7 or 8 Celsius in the northern part of the watershed, and the mid-teens tomorrow and Tuesday, which will continue melting the remaining snowpack.”
It means residents could see increased water levels, rising to meet the rear of buildings that front Northumberland Street in downtown Ayr or even begin pouring onto sidewalks and streets across those neighbourhoods.
GRCA said those areas along the Nith River were expected to reach Flood Warning Zone 2 levels Sunday evening, expecting them to possibly rise to Zone 3 levels by Monday.
“The public is encouraged to exercise caution around all local waterways and ponds,” GRCA said. “Banks adjacent to rivers, ponds 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 and open water.”
The flood warnings have led to a list of road closures across those impacted areas, including:
- Tannery Street, Ayr, from Northumberland Street to Stanley Street
- Holland Mills Road, New Hamburg, from Bleams Road to Huron Road
- Milton Street, New Hamburg, from Shade Street to Hannah Street
- Union Street, New Hamburg, from Huron Street to Burns Street
- Lisbon Road, Wilmot, from Nafziger Road to the east end
- Wilby Road, Wilmot, from Nafziger Road to Sandhills Road
GRCA stated that, as of now, there are no concerns of flooding associated with the Grand River, which flows through North Dumfries.
With more rain and warmer temperatures expected to last through to Wednesday in Waterloo Region, those flood risks could continue to increase.
It’s recommended that residents across Waterloo Region monitor their city’s and township’s websites, social media accounts, and the GRCA’s site for the latest details on flood impacts across their communities.
