The Grand River Conservation Authority (GRCA) is cautioning about possible flooding in the Waterloo region and nearby areas due to warm temperatures and rain forecasted for Friday.
According to Katelyn Lynch, the director of the conservation authority, the ongoing snowmelt is expected to elevate water levels in rivers and lakes throughout the region. Lynch mentioned that the current warm-up is typical for this time of year and noted a similar occurrence around the Christmas holiday that resulted in runoff and flooding in some parts of the Grand River watershed. This led to the breakup of ice on rivers and water bodies, exacerbating flooding in affected areas.
The latest snow survey by the GRCA revealed that the water content in snowpacks is approximately 150% higher than usual for this year. Lynch highlighted that the landscape had already accumulated significant water before the recent mild weather and rain. The combination of snow, ice, and obstructed storm sewers has led to water accumulation on the ground and sidewalks, creating messy conditions.
The GRCA issued a warning about the instability of ice on rivers, ponds, and lakes due to fluctuating temperatures and advised against venturing out onto unsafe ice.
Meteorologist Trudy Kidd from Environment Canada indicated that the warmth expected on Friday, with a high of 9°C, will be temporary. Temperatures are projected to drop below freezing next week following the peak warmth on Friday. Kidd emphasized that the current temperature fluctuations, while unusual, are not unprecedented. She mentioned that although the warm-up is significant, it is not record-breaking, with the historical high for January 9 standing at 12.2°C in 1937.