Tuesday, June 14, 2022, 11:30 a.m. – Heavy rain bands will continue in Alberta and Saskatchewan, with widespread warnings and a local state of emergency in place.
Widespread warnings remain in place as heavy rain bands continue to revolve around a low-pressure area on Tuesday and Wednesday in Alberta and Saskatchewan. Extreme amounts are expected with possible 75-100 mm more, with some areas of Alberta potentially stuck up to 150 mm by Wednesday. In response to the flood, Calgary City Council declared a state of local emergency as a precaution on Monday afternoon. Rainfall is expected to intensify on Tuesday, although interruptions are expected between bands. Learn more about weather and impacts up to half a week below.
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UNTIL WEDNESDAY: CONTINUED HEAVY RAIN CONTINUES, THREATS OVER 100 MM AND LOCATED FLOOD
A powerful low-pressure system that crossed the border on Monday will meander through the central prairies for several days. Rain warnings are in effect in much of southern Alberta and central Saskatchewan.
The system will provide large amounts of rain for the next 24 hours, with more than 100 mm locally no doubt for some of the harshest areas. The heaviest rainfall totals will be in the southern foothills of Alberta.
“Rain will not always be constant and breaks can be expected between the rainy season, but heavy rains are expected to continue until Tuesday and begin to ease in the hardest hit areas of Alberta on Tuesday night.” says Kelly Sonnenburg, a meteorologist for The Weather Network.
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Calgary is expected to receive 100 mm of rain with this system and Edmonton could see up to 50 mm. Meteorologists recommend keeping an eye out for flood risk in some areas.
“For more information on the potential impacts of flooding on your community, please consult your municipality and the province of Alberta (rivers.alberta.ca) for the latest information and recommendations,” said Environment Canada and Climate. Change (ECCC) to rain warning. issued for Calgary. “Heavy showers can cause sudden flooding and accumulations of water on the roads. There may be localized flooding in low-lying areas. Watch out for possible flooding near rivers, streams and sewers.”
There is likely to be flooding, but the infrastructure at risk will be smaller streams, tributaries and peasant fields, as well as localized streets. The chances of rivers overflowing and widening are generally low due to current levels, so no major damage is expected.
Calgary City Council, however, has declared a state of local emergency as a precaution.
According to local media, Mayor Jyoti Gondek says this will help the emergency services in case of a need for evacuation, but does not anticipate that it will be necessary at the moment. Any possible evacuation will depend on how the weather develops over the next few days.