GRCA warns residents of rising water levels following mild, wet weather

The Grand River Conservation Authority (Krista Sharpe / CTV News Kitchener)

The Grand River Conservation Authority (GRCA) is urging residents to use caution around bodies of water after a week of mild and wet weather.

The not-so-seasonal conditions have prompted a rise in water levels and river flows, according to the GRCA. This means low-lying areas that are prone to flooding may be at risk.

Officials also warned residents about the risk of ice jams, specifically at the mouth of the Grand River, near Lake Erie.

“As ice moves through the rivers, there is the risk of ice jams in slow moving sections of the river, which can cause sudden and localized flooding,” a notice issued by the GRCA read.

As the start of spring inches closer and ice begins to melt, the GRCA is also asking people to stay off frozen rivers, ponds and reservoirs used for skating and ice fishing.

“The runoff and high water levels may have weakened the ice and lifted it away from shorelines,” the notice read. “The ice can break easily and should not be used for any winter activities.”

The GRCA’s water safety message remains in effect until early March.