June 23, 2013
Province Issues Overland Flood Warning, High Water Advisory for Northwest, Interlake and Southwest Manitoba Regions
– – –Flood Warning for the Saskatchewan River Remains in Effect
Manitoba Infrastructure and Transportation’s Hydrologic Forecast Centre has issued an overland flood warning and high water advisory for the northwest, Interlake and southwest regions of Manitoba. An intense low pressure system pushing north from North Dakota has brought significant rain with embedded thunderstorms into southwest Manitoba. If the heavy rains fall as forecast, small streams and tributaries will quickly rise and most likely approach or spill their banks. Flash or overland flooding could happen in areas hit by heavier rainstorms.
- Heavy rain about 150 millimetres (mm) may already have fallen in the Plumas-Gladstone-Woodside area.
- Rain is expected to expand east through most of southern Manitoba by this afternoon.
- Rainfall amounts will be variable depending on the proximity to the stronger thunderstorms which will be embedded in the larger area of rain.
- Current indications are for the heaviest band to extend through the Killarney area and north with local amounts of 50 mm or more by the time the rain begins tapering off this evening towards the U.S. border and overnight further north.
- Adjacent areas not in the warning will still see fairly significant rainfalls as well.
- Weather prediction models indicate that between today and tomorrow rainfall accumulation of up to 150 mm could occur.
- Localized flooding has been reported in Pipestone Creek and Westbourne areas.
- Localized overland flooding reported in the Reston area.
- Since midnight, the weather system has brought rainfall amounts ranging between 10 and 40 mm of rainfall in portions of southwest Manitoba.
- Both the Assiniboine and Souris river basins as well as northwest portions of the Interlake Region are likely to be impacted by this rainstorm.
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Specific areas expected to experience heavier rain between tonight and Monday are:
- Minnedosa, Neepawa, Russell and Riding Mountain National Park;
- Dauphin, Roblin and Winnipegosis;
- Killarney, Pilot Mound and Manitou;
- Ste. Rose, McCreary, Alonsa and Gladstone.
- The forecast rain amounts and the distribution are still uncertain at this time.
- However, if the heavy rains fall as forecast, small streams and tributaries will quickly rise and most likely approach or spill their banks.
- Flash or overland flooding could happen in areas hit by heavier rainstorms.
- Communities in the affected areas are advised to take necessary precautions.
- Detailed impacts on tributaries and main stem rivers will be evaluated as a clearer picture of this active weather emerges.
The Saskatchewan River
- The flood warning continues for the Saskatchewan River near The Pas.
- Water levels on the Saskatchewan River in The Pas area are expected to approach 2011 levels as floodwater from Alberta moves east through Saskatchewan and into Manitoba.
- The Ralls Island dike in The Pas will handle projected levels as it was elevated to withstand floods greater than the 2011 flood.
- The flood crest could arrive in The Pas between eight and 12 days from now, depending on the Tobin Reservoir operations.
The Hydrologic Forecast Centre will monitor the river conditions and provide updated forecasts for the Saskatchewan River.
Flooding can affect road conditions quickly. Before travelling, check road conditions by calling 511.
- Listen to radio or TV weather and flood updates.
- Do not walk through moving water, even as little as six inches (15 centimetres).
- If you have to walk in water, wherever possible, walk where the water is not moving. Use a stick to check the firmness of the ground in front of you.
- Do not drive into flooded areas. If floodwaters rise around your car, abandon the car and move to higher ground if you can do so safely.
- Do not touch electrical equipment if you are wet or standing in water.
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