Flooding reported across Waterloo, Guelph region

Flooding is being reported in the Waterloo region following heavy rainfall on Tuesday morning.

Waterloo Regional Police reported on social media that officers are at several locations where roads and public transit crossings are flooded, including:

Flooding closed a portion of Huron Road near Homer Watson Boulevard in Kitchener on Tuesday. (Josette Lafleur/CBC)

Residents of Waterloo were also warned of possible flooding in a city alert.

The warning states that the Grand River Conservation Authority (GRCA) has warned that “there is a risk of flooding in the city, particularly in the Laurel Creek floodplain, due to heavy rainfall.”

People are reminded to take safety precautions to protect themselves and their property.

According to the GRCA, parts of the catchment have received 60mm of rain in the past 24 hours, with another 20mm possible on Tuesday.

“Water levels and flows in rivers and streams across the catchment are elevated. The forecast rainfall, combined with isolated thunderstorms, will further increase water levels,” the GRCA said in a flood outlook statement on Tuesday.

“The reservoirs will remain in operation to manage discharges and limit flooding downstream.”

Water levels in Schneider Creek are high after Tuesday’s heavy rains. (Cameron Mahler/CBC)

Service Cambridge is also experiencing “higher than normal call volumes” due to weather conditions, the city said in a press release. The city warned that wait times may be longer than usual.

“There may be some flooding in low-lying areas if drainage systems are overloaded. If there is a storm drain in front of your home, make sure it is clear of debris to keep the water moving,” the City of Cambridge said.

Ontario Provincial Police also reported that the westbound off-ramp from Highway 7/8 to Courtland in Cambridge was closed due to flooding. “Multiple locations” along highways in the Greater Toronto Area, including along the QEW at the Guelph line, were also flooded.

“Please drive according to conditions, drive slowly and have your headlights on full,” the OPP traffic safety division said on X, formerly Twitter.