GRCA News: GRCA Flood Message #7 – Combined Flood Warning Termination and Flood Watch

The Grand River Conservation Authority (GRCA) is terminating the Flood Warning messages previously in effect, and issuing a Flood Watch message for the entire Grand River watershed.

Weather forecast

Recent warm temperatures, along with thunderstorms and heavy rain have resulted in up to 70 mm of rainfall across the Grand River watershed. Another low-pressure system will move through the watershed on Saturday, April 4. Current forecasts call for an additional 15 – 25 mm of rainfall. There is the potential for thunderstorms and intense downpours, which may increase the rainfall accumulations.

Flood Watch for the entire Grand River watershed

Water levels and flows are gradually declining but remain above normal following the heavy rainfall earlier this week. Some localized flooding of low-lying areas may still be occurring due to elevated levels; however, rivers are no longer exceeding levels associated with significant flooding.

The forecasted rainfall may generate significant runoff, leading to rising water levels. Ground conditions are saturated which will lead to increased runoff from heavy rainfall. As a result, this event will increase the potential risk of flooding in areas typically prone to flooding. Water levels and flows are anticipated to be high through the weekend. Municipal flood coordinators should be aware of these conditions and take appropriate precautions.

GRCA Reservoirs

The major reservoirs at Belwood, Conestogo, Guelph, Luther, Woolwich, Laurel, and Shade’s Mills are being used to help reduce the impact of downstream flooding.

Stay safe 

High flows will increase the safety risk around rivers and streams throughout the watershed. The public is encouraged to exercise extreme caution around local waterways. Banks adjacent to rivers and creeks are very slippery and, when combined with fast-moving water, pose a serious hazard. Families are reminded to keep children and pets away from watercourses.

River conditions and forecasts are being monitored closely, and any additional flood messages will be issued as needed.

This message will remain in effect until 12 p.m. on Tuesday, April 7, 2026. 

More information

• For more information on flows, weather and reservoir conditions see the River Data section of the GRCA website.
• More information on the flood warning system is available on the GRCA website.
• Receive GRCA flood messages by e-mail by subscribing through the GRCA website.
• Follow GRCA flood messages on X at grca_flood_msg.
• More information about how the GRCA’s role in managing floods is available in the Flooding section of the website.
• Copies of the GRCA’s River Safety Rules booklet is available by contacting the GRCA Administration Centre.

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Media contacts:

Lisa Stocco, GRCA Director of Strategic Communications and Environmental Education
Phone 519-621-2763 x2316 | Email lstocco@grandriver.ca

Serena Catania, GRCA Supervisor of Communications and Marketing
Phone 519-621-2763 x2240 | Email scatania@grandriver.ca