Flood Warning - Zone 1 - Ayr

Flood Warning

Flood Warning Zone 1 - Ayr 

Nith River 

The Grand River Conservation Authority (GRCA) has issued a Flood Warning for the watershed.   Specific to North Dumfries and the Community of Ayr, the GRCA has issued a Flood Warning for Zone 1 which is specific to Nith River.

Several fast-moving low-pressure systems are moving through Southern Ontario which have brought warm temperatures and precipitation to the Grand River watershed. On Friday, January 9, 2026, this system brought up to 10 mm of rain to the area, along with temperatures rising to low double digits above freezing. Temperatures are dropping and will remain close to freezing for Saturday, January 10, as another low-pressure system moves through and brings a wintery mix of ice pellets and snow. The snowpack throughout the watershed is at or above normal for this time of year. Recent GRCA snow measurements captured 30-80 mm of equivalent water content. The warm temperatures combined with rain caused snowmelt and runoff throughout the watershed.

The GRCA has identified that flows in the Nith River are expected to increase steadily throughout the day, overnight period and into Sunday morning.   It is anticipated that water levels will crest in Ayr likely overnight Saturday or into early Sunday January 11^th . 

A Zone 1 Flood Warning means that low lying areas along the Nith River that are typically prone to spring time flooding can expect to witness water overtop river banks.  Specific to Downtown Ayr, a Zone 1 Flood Warning would witness floodwaters overtop Tannery Street and extend into the parking areas at the rear of the businesses that front onto Northumberland Street.

The Township will be sending out a message through the Alert Waterloo network to residents / business that have previously registered with the municipality within the Zone 1 area of the pending flood conditions and associated Flood Warning.  

The Township anticipates having CLOSE Tannery Street to vehicular traffic in the late afternoon / early evening hours of Saturday January 10^th due to the anticipated flood conditions.

At this time there are no flood concerns associated with the Grand River for that section which flows through North Dumfries.

The public is encouraged to exercise caution around all local waterways and ponds. Banks adjacent to rivers, ponds and creeks are very slippery and, when combined with fast-moving water, pose a serious hazard. Parents are reminded to keep their children and pets away from all watercourses and open water. 

Residents of the Township are encouraged to monitor the Township’s website, social media accounts and the GRCA for updates over the next 24 hours.  

How to stay up-to-date?

To stay up-to-date on flood watches and warning:

• Subscribe to the Grand River Conservation Authority’s flood warning system at www.grandriver.ca, and
• Follow the Grand River Conservation Authority (GRCA) on Twitter at       @grca_flood_msg 

For local flood response, including road closures, detours and more

• Visit the Township’s website at www.northdumfries.ca  and

Follow the Township of North Dumfries on Twitter at @northdumfries 

Contact: 
Andrew McNeely, Chief Administrative Officer
Township of North Dumfries
106 Earl Thompson Road, 3^rd Floor 
Ayr, Ontario N0B 1Eo            

Tel.        (519) 632-8800  
Email       amcneely@northdumfries.ca