GRCA ends flood warnings, but much of watershed still on alert

Flood warnings have ended, but high flows in local waterways are possible into the weekend.

The Grand River Conservation Authority ended flood warnings for low-lying parts of Cambridge, Ayr and New Hamburg on Tuesday, 24 hours after issuing them.

According to the GRCA, the heaviest of overnight rains fell to the south of the watershed, minimizing the risk in central and northern areas.

But with increasing temperatures melting what’s left of the snow pack and the potential for more rain, flood watches continue.

Over the next two days, the GRCA says, melting snow and possible ice jams could create flooding along the Grand River near Grand Valley and Waldemar.

Other central parts of the watershed including Ayr and Cambridge could see flooding in low-lying areas later this week.

The GRCA says it will increase discharges into the lower Grand, Conestogo and Speed rivers later this week as reservoirs fill up.

A low-level bridge remains closed on Three Bridges Road near St. Jacobs, and residents continue to be warned of slippery and dangerous walking conditions along riverbanks.