Flood warning issued for Ontario community

After heavy rain and snow, a flood warning has been issued for an Ontario community.

The Grand River Conservation Authority issued the warning for Ayr, a small community about 20 kilometres south of Kitchener.

River flows are expected to peak on Wednesday, Dec. 31, in Ayr, possibly impacting some properties in the community, the warning states.

Municipal flood coordinators will notify affected property owners and monitor conditions. 

Properties in zone 1 of Ayr could be impacted by flooding on Wednesday.  Map: Grand River Conservation Authority

The flood warning comes after mild temperatures of five to six C along with 30 to 50 mm of rainfall through Sunday into Monday morning.

The watershed previously received five to 10 mm of precipitation as freezing rain and snow on Dec. 26.

In addition, the northern and central portions of the watershed currently contain an estimated 30 to 60 mm of water equivalent in the snowpack, resulting from snowfall earlier in December, the warning states.

While flooding is not expected in other cities and towns, the warning urges residents to be careful around waterbodies.

“High flows and unstable ice conditions will increase the safety risk around rivers and streams throughout the watershed,” the warning states. “The public is encouraged to exercise extreme caution around local waterways.”

Lead photo: Tom Fisk