'Extreme caution' advised around Grand River watershed due to warm temperatures, rain

The Grand River Conservation Authority is advising residents to be careful around local waterways due to incoming rainfall and warm temperatures.

In a watershed condition statement issued Dec. 30, the conservation authority says that because of the expected mild temperatures and rainfall moving across the Grand River watershed Friday, people are encouraged to exercise extreme caution around all local waterways."

These warmer temperatures have triggered a gradual melting of the snow pack, which will result in runoff into local waterways. Moderate rainfall is expected to accompany this weather system with up to 40 millimetres forecast for many parts of the watershed over the next five days," the statement reads.

While no significant flooding is anticipated, higher flows in local waterways will increase the risk in low-lying areas typically prone to flooding. River flows will remain elevated for several days, increasing the safety risk around rivers and streams throughout the watershed."

These waterways, the conservation authority says, are typically covered in ice this time of year, and that any ice currently present is weaker than normal, and that the potential for ice jams remain whenever ice is present in the river system."

The statement will remain in effect until Jan. 6, with updated flood messages to be issued if necessary.