High waves could flood communities along some of Manitoba’s largest lakes, as another storm threatens to bring up to 75 millimeters of rain to the southeast quadrant of the province, the province warns.
The province on Monday extended its ground flood warning to include south-central Manitoba and municipalities, first nations and parks along four lakes.
More than 50 communities and provincial parks along the southern basins of Lake Winnipeg, Lake Manitoba, Lake Dauphin and Lake Winnipegosis are at risk of strong waves as strong winds raise water levels.
Water levels in Lake Winnipeg and Lake Dauphin are already high. The storm could bring winds of up to 100km / h, and this could raise the water level at the four lakes by about five feet, Transport and Infrastructure Minister Doyle Piwniuk said at a news conference on Monday.
With strong winds, Lake Winnipeg, which is already at 715.8 feet above sea level, could exceed 720.8 feet.
Any property along the southern basin of Lake Winnipeg at elevations below 723 feet could be affected.
Lake Manitoba levels could reach 817.2 feet in southern basins, exceeding the flood level and could affect low-lying areas and properties. However, most properties on the south shore are protected at 817.5 feet or more.
Lake Dauphin is just a foot above the flood stage and the properties in the southern basin could be affected by the floods.
Manitoba Infrastructure Minister Doyle Piwniuk said the province has 1.5 million sandbags and about 8,000 super-ready sandbags.
The updated forecast shows that areas along the western part of the Red River Valley could now be affected by heavy rainfall from Monday evening and continue until Tuesday morning.
Environment Canada issued a special weather statement on Monday warning of the possibility of sudden floods and water-related washings.
The province closes the park and issues advice
The province announced a series of provincial park closures and warnings as a result of the incoming weather system, citing a risk to people’s safety. He ordered that Rainbow Beach Provincial Park in the southern basin of Lake Dauphin and its campsite be closed at least until June 2.
Other closures include:
- Boat launches are closed at Lundar Beach, Patricia Beach, Rainbow Beach, Watchorn and Winnipeg Beach;
- Camp Morton Provincial Park camp has a partial closure of ground flood risk sites until at least June 2;
- Grand Beach Provincial Park car parks 2-5 are closed on West Beach;
- The Lundar Beach Provincial Park campsite has a partial closure of the site due to the risk of bank erosion, flooding and falling trees until at least June 2;
- The provincial park of the beach of St. Ambroise has advised seasonal campers at the rented campsite to withdraw their units and secure assets; i
- The Watchorn Provincial Park campsite is partially closed due to the risk of bank erosion and flooding until at least June 2nd.
Park visitors should check www.manitoba511.ca for roadblocks and possible detours before traveling to the parks, the province said.