Flooding expected in Grand River watershed over weekend

The Grand River Conservation Authority is warning of flooding over the weekendas another 50 to 70 mm of rain is expected to fall in Waterloo region and Wellington County over the weekend.

The conservation authority issued a combined flood warning and flood watch Friday at noon, saying the Grand River watershed had received between 25 and 40 mm of rain in a 24 hour period.

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"Ground conditions throughout the watershed are very saturated and have limited ability to absorb precipitation," the conservation authority said in a press release. "Flows in rivers and creeks across the watershed have increased in response and will continue to do so through the weekend."

According to the release, the flood coordinator for Woolwich Township has been asked to keep the Three Bridges Road closed where it crosses the Conestogo River upstream of St. Jacobs.

The flood coordinator for the City of Cambridge has been asked to close the Black Bridge Road bridge Friday afternoon, as the authority expects that area and Riverside Park to be flooded by this weather system.

Water levels in the Nith River remain high and are expected to peak Saturday evening, though they are not expected to rise above flood levels in New Hamburg or Ayr. However, flood coordinators will be warning residents to be on alert.

No major flooding is anticipated in the Grand River watershed, as the conservation authority's major reservoirs are being used to manage runoff and reduce downstream flooding.