A warm weather system and rain is forecast to move through the Grand River watershed Saturday through Monday, with higher flows in local waterways increasing the risk in low-lying areas typically prone to flooding.
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Temperatures of up to 10 C will melt snow and 25 to 35 mm of rain is expected by the time the system moves out of the area on Monday.
There is a snowpack of variable depth across the watershed with more snow present in the north, said a news release issued by the GRCA on Friday. Water levels and flows are slightly elevated due to recent rain and snowmelt runoff.
GRCA reservoirs will be used to reduce downstream flooding. However, river flows will remain elevated, increasing the safety risk around rivers and streams throughout the watershed, said the release.
The public is encouraged to exercise caution around all local waterways. Banks adjacent to rivers and creeks are slippery and, when combined with cold, fast-moving water, pose a serious hazard, said the release. Ice cover will be severely eroded due to rain and thaw, and riverbanks will be icy and wet.
Parents are reminded to keep their children and pets away from all watercourses.
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