Up to 100 mm of rain forecast to fall in parts of Alberta
It’s been a wet June for lots of Alberta, and some areas of the province are at risk of seeing up to 100 millimetres of rain into Monday, June 29.
As of writing, rainfall warnings are in effect for large sections of central and southern Alberta, with orange warnings in effect for central regions.
An orange warning from Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) means an impact level may be high with the event, along with a high forecast confidence. Those areas under that level include the City of Edmonton, Sherwood Park, St. Albert, Wetaskiwin, Leduc, and Devon.
Heavy rain will continue with total amounts of 70 to 90 mm, after widespread rain occurred on Saturday.
“With the ground already saturated from the storm this past weekend and rainfall totals for the month of June well above normal, additional rain is likely to cause overland flooding, washouts, and impacts to infrastructure and property. Localized flooding is likely. Some roads may become impassable,” the warning added.
Numerous roads saw flooding and closures due to the heavy rain seen this weekend, particularly those east of Edmonton in Strathcona County.
Road closed in Strathcona County. (Laine Mitchell/Daily Hive)
Other areas of the province, particularly many spots in southern Alberta, are currently under a yellow warning. The impact level may be moderate with the event, along with a high forecast confidence. Those areas under that level include the City of Calgary, Lethbridge, Lloydminster, Medicine Hat, Red Deer, Okotoks, and Taber.
ECCC stated that heavy rain is expected, with total amounts of 50 to 100 mm. Rain will continue into Monday before slowly diminishing on Monday night, with the rain ending by Tuesday morning.
“Water will likely pool on roads and in low-lying areas. Fast-moving and rapidly rising water can sweep vehicles away and damage infrastructure. Don’t drive through flooded roadways. Watch for washouts near rivers, creeks and culverts,” the warning added.
You can check for any current watches and warnings on the ECCC website.