⚠️ Flood Warnings Issued for Kitchener, Cambridge and More Ontario Communities on Thursday ☔️
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Heavy rainfall and rapid snowmelt are triggering rising water levels across much of Southern Ontario, prompting multiple flood warnings and watches being issued since this past Friday. Conservation authorities and the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) have issued alerts for various watersheds, warning that saturated ground conditions and increased runoff may lead to localized flooding. Residents in affected areas should remain vigilant as rivers and streams swell, with the risk of minor to moderate flooding in low-lying regions.
New Flood Warnings
The Grand River Conservation Authority (GRCA) is issuing a Flood Warning message for the City of Kitchener and the City of Cambridge. The Flood Warning message previously issued for West Montrose is being upgraded to Flood Warning Zone 2. The Flood Warning messages previously issued for Grand Valley, Waldemar, Drayton, the Village of Conestogo, New Hamburg, and Ayr remain in effect.
Weather forecast
Temperatures in the watershed have increased to double digits above freezing overnight and are expected to remain high for the remainder of the day. A mixed precipitation event, including snow, freezing rain, and rain, began yesterday and continued overnight throughout the watershed. This has resulted in approximately 40 to 80 mm of total precipitation and increased runoff throughout the watershed.
Flood Warning Message for the City of Kitchener
The Grand River is expected to overflow its banks midday Thursday, April 3, increasing the risk of flooding in low-lying areas. Municipal flood coordinators in the City of Kitchener have been advised to notify affected properties and monitor conditions.
Flood Warning Message for the City of Cambridge
The Grand River is expected to overflow its banks near Water Street/Highway 24 on midday Thursday, April 3. Municipal flood coordinators in the City of Cambridge have been advised to notify affected properties and monitor conditions.
Flood Warning Message for West Montrose
River flows are expected to reach Flood Warning Zone 2 in West Montrose the afternoon of Thursday, April 3. Municipal flood coordinators in the Township of Woolwich have been advised to notify affected properties and monitor conditions. Residents are encouraged to refer to the guide on the GRCA’s website for information regarding flood warning zones.
Flood Warning Message for Grand Valley and Waldemar
River flows are expected to exceed channel capacity and peak midday Thursday, April 3. Municipal flood coordinators in Grand Valley and Waldemar have been advised to notify affected properties and monitor conditions.
Flood Warning Message for Drayton
River flows are expected to reach Flood Warning Zone 1 in Drayton on Thursday, April 3, during the morning. Municipal flood coordinators in the Township of Mapleton have been advised to notify affected properties and monitor conditions. Residents are encouraged to refer to the guide on the GRCA’s website for information regarding flood warning zones.
Flood Warning Message for the Village of Conestogo
River flows are expected to reach flooding thresholds in the Village of Conestogo midday Thursday, April 3. Municipal flood coordinators in the Township of Woolwich have been advised to notify affected properties and monitor conditions.
Flood Warning Message for New Hamburg
River flows are expected to reach Flood Warning Zone 2 in New Hamburg midday Thursday, April 3. Municipal flood coordinators in the Township of Wilmot have been advised to notify affected properties and monitor conditions. Residents are encouraged to refer to the guide on the GRCA’s website for information regarding flood warning zones.
Flood Warning Message for Ayr
River flows are expected to reach Flood Warning Zone 2 in Ayr on the morning of Friday, April 4. Municipal flood coordinators in the Township of North Dumfries have been advised to notify affected properties and monitor conditions. Residents are encouraged to refer to the guide on the GRCA’s website for information regarding flood warning zones.
This message will remain in effect until 12 p.m. on Saturday, April 5, 2025.
Flood Warnings
MNR Districts:
- Aurora, Midhurst, Owen Sound – *Flood Warning* (April 2, 2025, 12:30 PM)
- Minden, Parry Sound, Bracebridge – *Flood Warning* (March 28, 2025, 2:30 PM)
- Peterborough, Bancroft (Burnt and Black Rivers) – *Flood Warning* (March 28, 2025, 12:00 AM)
Conservation Authorities:
- Grand River – *Flood Warning* (April 3, 2025, 8:30 AM) NEW
- Nottawasaga Valley – *Flood Warning* (April 1, 2025, 1:30 PM)
- Otonabee Region – *Flood Warning* (April 2, 2025, 1:00 PM)
Flood Watches
MNR Districts:
- Peterborough, Bancroft – *Flood Watch* (March 27, 2025, 10:00 AM)
Conservation Authorities:
- Ausable Bayfield – *Flood Watch* (April 1, 2025, 3:00 PM)
- Cataraqui Region – *Flood Watch* (April 1, 2025, 11:30 AM)
- Crowe Valley – *Flood Watch* (April 2, 2025, 2:00 PM)
- Essex Region – *Flood Watch* (April 1, 2025, 4:30 PM)
- Grey Sauble – *Flood Watch* (April 1, 2025, 11:00 AM)
- Hamilton Region – *Flood Watch* (March 31, 2025, 10:30 AM)
- Hamilton Region (High Great Lakes Level) – *Flood Watch* (April 1, 2025, 3:30 PM)
- Kawartha Region – *Flood Watch* (March 31, 2025, 12:00 AM)
- Kettle Creek – *Flood Watch* (April 2, 2025, 4:00 PM)
- Lower Trent – *Flood Watch* (April 2, 2025, 4:30 PM)
- Maitland Valley – *Flood Watch* (April 2, 2025, 10:30 AM)
- Mississippi Valley – *Flood Watch* (April 2, 2025, 4:00 PM)
- Niagara Peninsula – *Flood Watch* (April 2, 2025, 10:00 AM)
- Rideau Valley – *Flood Watch* (March 27, 2025, 4:15 PM)
- Saugeen Valley – *Flood Watch* (April 1, 2025, 12:00 AM)
- South Nation River – *Flood Watch* (March 28, 2025, 1:30 PM)
- St. Clair Region – *Flood Watch* (April 2, 2025, 11:00 PM)
Watershed and Shoreline Conditions Statements
Water Safety Statements:
- Catfish Creek – *Watershed Conditions Statement – Water Safety* (April 2, 2025, 8:30 AM)
- Ganaraska Region – *Watershed Conditions Statement – Water Safety* (April 1, 2025, 3:30 PM)
- North Bay – *Watershed Conditions Statement – Water Safety* (March 28, 2025, 3:00 PM)
- Pembroke – *Watershed Conditions Statement – Water Safety* (March 28, 2025, 12:00 PM)
- North Bay-Mattawa – *Watershed Conditions Statement – Water Safety* (March 28, 2025, 2:30 PM)
- Raisin Region – *Watershed Conditions Statement – Water Safety* (March 24, 2025, 10:00 AM)
Flood Outlook Statements
- Central Lake Ontario – *Watershed Conditions Statement – Flood Outlook* (April 1, 2025, 12:00 AM)
- Credit Valley – *Watershed Conditions Statement – Flood Outlook* (April 1, 2025, 11:30 AM)
- Halton Region – *Watershed Conditions Statement – Flood Outlook* (April 1, 2025, 12:00 AM)
- Lake Simcoe Region – *Watershed Conditions Statement – Flood Outlook* (April 1, 2025, 4:00 PM)
- Long Point Region – *Watershed Conditions Statement – Flood Outlook* (April 1, 2025, 3:30 PM)
- Lower Thames Valley – *Watershed Conditions Statement – Flood Outlook* (April 1, 2025, 2:00 PM)
- Quinte (Inland Lakes and Rivers) – *Watershed Conditions Statement – Flood Outlook* (March 27, 2025, 12:00 PM)
- Toronto and Region – *Watershed Conditions Statement – Flood Outlook* (April 1, 2025, 1:30 PM)
- Upper Thames River – *Watershed Conditions Statement – Flood Outlook* (April 1, 2025, 2:30 PM)
- **Shoreline Conditions Statement – Storm Surge:**
- Catfish Creek – *Shoreline Conditions Statement – Storm Surge* (December 11, 2024, 12:00 AM)
Flood Risks and Safety Tips
With continued snowmelt and upcoming rainfall, many rivers and streams remain at risk of rising beyond their banks, especially in central and eastern Ontario. The combination of warm temperatures and precipitation is accelerating runoff, leading to swollen waterways with reduced capacity to handle additional rainfall. Minor flooding in low-lying areas is expected, with localized road closures possible.
- Stay informed by monitoring local weather forecasts, special weather statements, and emergency alerts.
- Avoid low-lying areas prone to flooding and never attempt to drive through flooded roads.
- Secure outdoor belongings that could be carried away by rising waters.
- If you live in a flood-prone area, prepare an emergency kit with essentials in case of evacuation.
Final Thoughts:
As flood warnings and watches continue across parts of Southern Ontario, it's important for residents in affected areas to stay alert and prepared. The combination of rapid snowmelt, saturated ground conditions, and forecasted rainfall means that water levels could rise quickly, increasing the risk of localized flooding. Keep an eye on weather updates, follow official advisories, and take precautions to protect your home and safety. If you live in a flood-prone area, now is the time to review your emergency plan. Stay safe, stay informed, and let’s hope for drier days ahead!
