Flooding closes roads in Wilmot and Woolwich, risk of ice jams

The rainfall in Waterloo region this week coupled with melting snow has seen local rivers overflow, flooding low-lying areas and closing roads near Wellesley and St. Jacobs.

Lisbon Road at Nafziger Road just south of Wellesley was closed Tuesday morning due to the Nith River spilling over its banks. As well, Wilby Road from Nafziger Road to Sandhills Road north of Baden was closed Tuesday afternoon.

Even though Wilby Road was closed because of the flood, it didn't stop everyone from driving over it. A car was spotted driving on the flooded road at around 4 p.m. 

In the email sent to CBC News, Keith Dorken said, "This vehicle made it, but not recommended."

The low level bridge at Three Bridge Road upstream of St. Jacobs was also closed starting Monday evening.

The Grand River Conservation Authority (GRCA) said the watershed received 25 mm of rain within 24 hours; however, some areas saw 35 mm.

"This rain coupled with snowmelt and ice in the river is causing runoff and flows at river capacity in much of the watershed," the GRCA said in a flood warning issued Tuesday morning.

There are also concerns about flooding in New Hamburg, where water levels are expected to peak by mid Tuesday afternoon.

There could also be flooding in Drayton, Brantford and Cayuga.

The GRCA said there is a risk of ice jams forming and people are warned to stay back from rivers and waterways.

"Ice cover, where it still exists, is unsafe," the GRCA said. "Banks adjacent to rivers and creeks are very slippery at this time and, when combined with cold, fast-moving water, pose a serious hazard."

GRCA said residents should clear snow and debris away from drains to help prevent congestion. On Tuesday morning, some flooding occurred on University Avenue in Waterloo after catch basins became blocked. University Avenue was closed for more than three hours while city crews cleared the area.