GRCA Flood Watch: Nith River & Lower Grand at Risk as Snowmelt and Rain Boost Water Levels

The Grand River Conservation Authority (GRCA) has updated its flood messaging for southwestern Ontario, issuing a flood watch for both the Nith River and the lower Grand River watersheds as of January 8, 2026. The alert comes as warmer temperatures and rain are expected to increase runoff from melting snow, pushing flows higher in local rivers and raising the likelihood of flooding in low‑lying zones.

Officials warn that ice breakup and movement through the river channels could lead to ice jams, which can suddenly elevate upstream water levels and intensify flood risk in some communities. Municipal flood coordinators in New Hamburg and Ayr, as well as areas including Brantford, Brant County, Six Nations, and Haldimand County, have been advised to monitor conditions closely.

Forecasts call for above‑seasonal temperatures and 10–15 mm of rain on Friday, followed by cooler conditions and mixed snow or ice pellets over the weekend. Snowpack throughout the Grand River watershed remains at or above normal for this time of year, further contributing to runoff potential.

In addition to the flood watch, a wider watershed conditions statement is in effect, urging the public to stay away from waterways due to unstable ice and fast‑moving water. This advisory underscores the heightened safety risk posed by cold, shifting river ice and rising flows.

Source: CityNews Kitchener