GRCA officials say the remnants of Hurricane Sandy could bring 35 to 50mm of rain, higher river and stream levels, and winds of 60 to 100km/h to the watershed.
The Grand River Conservation Authority issued a press release on Oct. 29 stating the "very powerful storm" would affect the watershed over the next three days.
"The latest weather forecasts suggest the two systems will track across the eastern end of Lake Ontario and up the St. Lawrence River," the GRCA press release stated.
"The remnants of the hurricane will move into Southern Ontario this evening bringing an additional 35 to 50mm of rain to the watershed resulting in higher river and stream flows, especially in urban areas.
"Areas along Lake Erie are expected to receive the highest precipitation amounts; however, the potential also exists for damaging winds of 60 km/hr, gusting to 100km/hr throughout the evening and into Tuesday morning. The winds will come from the north to northeast and will cause Lake Erie to surge away from Port Maitland towards the U.S. shoreline."
The release continued, "High winds can cause significant tree damage and uprooting, particularly with saturated ground conditions. Extreme caution is advised in treed areas. Municipal roads crews should be prepared for increased urban flooding due to branches and leaves collecting at storm sewer inlets.
"Recreational users of the river such as trailer park residents, campers, anglers and boaters should be aware of the changes in water levels during and after the event and take the necessary precautions to ensure they carry out their activities safely.
"Banks adjacent to rivers and creeks will be slippery at this time and the fast-moving water poses a potential hazard. Parents are encouraged to keep their children and pets away from fast-moving watercourses.
"Fortunately, the extreme dry conditions over the summer, low levels in Lake Erie and low reservoir levels will help buffer the impacts of this event."
"The GRCA will take water into storage in its major reservoirs on the Grand, Conestogo and Speed rivers, which will moderate flow increases in the areas downstream of the reservoirs. Reservoir levels may rise at Belwood and Conestogo reservoirs as a result of the forecast rain. Cottagers should take necessary precautions due to changing water levels."
Information on local river levels, as well as the GRCA's flood warning system and water safety and flood messages can be found at www.grandriver.ca.
