An overland flood watch has been issued for certain areas of southwestern Manitoba due to heavy rainfall that started on Friday and is projected to continue through Saturday.
The hydrologic forecast center of the province raised the alert on Friday, indicating that considerable amounts of rain ranging from 20 to 40 millimeters are anticipated across much of southwestern Manitoba, expanding northwards towards the Dauphin vicinity.
The most intense rainfall is expected to occur to the west of Brandon, encompassing regions like Virden and Melita, as per a Friday afternoon press release from the Manitoba government. These locations might receive between 50 to 80 millimeters of rainfall, with certain areas experiencing even higher amounts of up to 120 millimeters, particularly in areas affected by severe thunderstorms, the release highlighted.
Intense rainfall over a short span can lead to overland flooding, and the most significant downpours may extend westward into the Saskatchewan area of the Souris River basin, the province noted.
On Friday, Environment and Climate Change Canada released special weather statements for various regions in western Manitoba. Many of these alerts remained active into Friday afternoon in places in and around Dauphin and Riding Mountain National Park.
The provincial authorities warned that rain persisted in southeastern Saskatchewan and parts of western Manitoba, with the precipitation expected to continue throughout the day and into the evening before easing off during the night, according to a special weather statement.
At the end of June, a prior overland flood warning was issued for sections of western Manitoba.
Numerous communities in western Manitoba encountered severe storms and flooding earlier this year. Parkland areas like Dauphin, Minitonas, and Swan River were among those most severely impacted.
Several municipalities have declared local states of emergency in response to the flooding and storms experienced this year.
Following earlier rainfall in the day, Environment Canada’s forecast for Winnipeg on Friday afternoon predicted periods of rain starting around midnight on Saturday and lasting through the morning.