The Grand River Conservation Authority has issued a Flood Warning for the Southern Grand River Watershed and Lake Erie Shoreline. There is a currently a heightened risk of flooding in low-lying areas of Cayuga, as well as downstream of the Dunnville Dam, in the village of Port Maitland and along the lakeshore.

Haldimand County’s Manager of Emergency Services/Fire Chief is urging residents to cease all recreational activities on the Grand River immediately due to the danger of ice jams, thinning ice and the arrival of the CCGS Griffon Ice Breaker in Port Maitland. The Ice Breaker was requested by Chief Gallagher and it has been confirmed that it will arrive tomorrow afternoon. The CCGS Griffon will not be able to enter the Grand River and commence its icebreaking activities if there are ice huts and/or recreational activities occurring.

The warm weather has the potential to cause remaining ice jams in the southern Grand River to further weaken. This may cause the ice sheet to release upstream of Caledonia Dam creating the potential for ice jams to form downstream and cause flooding in the community of Cayuga.

A southwest wind will accompany the incoming weather event. The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry storm surge forecast for Lake Erie is indicating Lake Erie levels will surge early Friday morning, peaking just below the warning threshold for Lake Erie, decreasing by late Friday morning.

Haldimand County Emergency Services will be hand-delivering warning notices to residents and businesses within flood zones in Cayuga, Dunnville and Port Maitland this evening and into tomorrow. Residents in flood zones are recommended to contact their insurance companies about flood protection if they do not already have it.

Residents are being urged to stay away from Lake Erie/Grand River shoreline areas experiencing elevated water levels. Parents are reminded to keep children and pets away from shoreline areas.

The current flood warning will remain in effect until Friday, February 8, 2019 at 4pm. Updated flood messages will be issued as conditions develop and better forecast information becomes available. Residents are encouraged to monitor the Grand River Conservation Authority & Haldimand County websites and social media accounts for the most up-to-date flood and weather warning information.