Home / Environment / Rivers Swell: Flood Warnings Issued Across Region
Rivers Swell: Flood Warnings Issued Across Region
9 Mar
Summary
- Flood warnings issued for Conestoga, West Montrose, and Ayr.
- Warm weather melt and rain cause river levels to rise rapidly.
- 23 people rescued from an ice flow on Georgian Bay.
Flood warnings are in effect for the Village of Conestoga, West Montrose, and Ayr as of Monday morning. The Grand and Conestogo Rivers in Conestoga are expected to flood low-lying areas. In West Montrose, the warning has been escalated to cover zone two properties. Homes in zone three in Ayr are also at risk of flooding.
The increased river levels are attributed to warm temperatures melting the remaining snowpack and recent rainfall. Temperatures are forecast to remain above freezing until Wednesday night, contributing to further snowmelt. An additional 30 to 40 mm of rain is expected between Tuesday and Wednesday, which will further raise river flows.
In a separate but related incident, 23 people were rescued from an ice flow on Georgian Bay on Sunday. The group was walking on an ice shelf when it broke away, drifting two kilometers from shore. Several emergency crews, including local fire departments and OPP officers, assisted in the rescue. Minor injuries, such as hypothermia, were reported.
