Ice jams could lead to unexpected flooding in West Montrose, New Hamburg: GRCA
People in Grand Valley, Cayuga and Dunnville should also keep eyes on Grand River
Warm weather that melted snow and rain over the weekend has weakened ice on local waterways, including the Grand River, which could lead to ice jams and unexpected flooding, the Grand River Conservation Authority warns.
There is an increased "potential for rapidly changing conditions" on local waterways, the authority said in a flood watch message Monday.
There has already been flooding in some low lying areas due to snow melt. The region also saw rain over the weekend, which has raised water levels in rivers, creeks and streams, the GRCA said.
It noted areas prone to ice jams, include: Grand Valley, West Montrose, New Hamburg, Cayuga and Dunnville.
"Based on the current conditions, the potential for flooding due to ice jams remains wherever ice is present in the river system," the GRCA said.
The GRCA warned people should stay off ice and away from bodies of water right now because if someone were to end up in the water, it "puts both the public and municipal first responders at risk. Anyone who falls through the ice could experience hypothermia and death within minutes."
The flood watch remains in effect until Friday afternoon unless the GRCA updates it before then.