The Grand River Conservation Authority has issued a Flood Warning for the entire Grand River watershed. Flooding is anticipated in low-lying areas of Caledonia, Cayuga and Dunnville that typically experience spring flooding. Residents are encouraged to stay away from watercourses, ditches & shoreline areas during this rainfall event.

A significant winter storm is anticipated to impact much of the province through this weekend with precipitation beginning late Friday afternoon and persisting through Sunday morning. There is still a great deal of uncertainty with respect to how much of this precipitation will fall as rain before transitioning to freezing rain as temperatures fall through the day on Saturday. How this precipitation falls will greatly impact how local waterways respond.

“Residents should remain alert throughout this weather event, keep a close eye on changing conditions and watch for updated flood messages and weather warnings,” said Jason Gallagher, Haldimand County’s Fire Chief & Manager of Emergency Services. Residents are encouraged to contact their insurance provider about flood insurance if they do not already have it.

People are warned to stay away from ditches, frozen water bodies, streams, rivers, and ponds as the combination of slippery banks and cold, fast-flowing water is dangerous. Parents are reminded to keep children and pets away from all of these areas.

Landowners are also advised to make sure dams, culverts, and catch basins are free from debris and functioning properly. Helpful resources for property owners regarding flood preparedness are available at HaldimandCounty.ca/emergency-preparedness and HaldimandCounty.ca/floods.

Water levels are expected to remain elevated for several days following this weather event. Both conservation authority & Emergency Services staff will continue to monitor watershed conditions, issue updated flood messages and respond as necessary.