The Grand River Conservation Authority (GRCA) has issued a Flood Warning for the City of Brantford and a Flood Watch for communities along the Lower Grand River, citing ice jams and elevated water levels following recent warm and wet weather.
The GRCA says significant runoff over the past weekend increased river flows and broke up ice sheets, which have since collected in slower-moving sections of the river system.
Ice jams are now forming in several areas, increasing the risk of localized flooding despite overall flows beginning to recede.
In Brantford, water levels are approaching flooding thresholds near Gilkinson Street, and trails through the Gilkison Flats are already flooded. Municipal flood coordinators have been notified and are monitoring conditions closely, while residents in low-lying areas are urged to remain alert.
Communities downstream, including Cayuga, Caledonia, and Dunnville, are also at risk as ice continues to move through the Lower Grand River.
The GRCA warns that unstable ice and high flows pose serious safety risks and is reminding the public to stay off ice-covered waterways and keep children and pets away from riverbanks, with the advisory remaining in effect until Tuesday, January 6 at noon.
