Flood Messages

The Grand River Conservation Authority (GRCA) is issuing a Flood Warning message for Drayton. The Flood Watch Message for New Hamburg and Ayr and a Watershed Conditions-Water Safety message for the remainder of the Grand River watershed remain in effect.

The Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) storm surge model forecast for the eastern end of Lake Erie is indicating a rise in lake levels to above the threshold of Lake Erie Flood Zone 1. The passage of a strong low-pressure system is expected to bring high winds to Lake Erie on Monday. 

Sustained Southwesterly winds over Lake Erie with gusts up to 110 km/hr are forecast to start developing on morning of Monday, December 29, 2025 and continue into the evening. 

The Grand River Conservation Authority (GRCA) is issuing a Flood Watch message for Nith River Subwatershed and a Watershed Conditions – Water Safety message for the remainder of the Grand River watershed remains in effect.

The Grand River Conservation Authority (GRCA) is concerned about the use of frozen natural water bodies for on-ice activities such as skating and ice fishing. Recent cold temperatures and early-season snowfall have resulted in the formation of thin ice on local rivers, reservoirs, ponds, and lakes across the watershed. While ice may appear to be forming earlier than in previous years, ice conditions remain highly unstable, unpredictable, and unsafe for any type of recreation.

It is important to note that river systems, reservoirs, and water control structures experience fluctuating water levels and variable flows that prevent stable ice formation. While colder temperatures allow for some ice formation, daily changes in temperature, wind, precipitation and underwater currents greatly affect ice conditions. In many areas, snow cover can also insulate the ice surface, slowing the freezing process and creating hidden weak spots.