Overland flooding has gripped the city of Winnipeg and other areas across Manitoba, Canada as of Sunday evening, April 24.
Canadian meteorologists have issued a weather warning for torrential rain and massive flooding throughout the province.
Rainfall and Flood Warning
A 'rainfall warning' and 'flood warning' remain in effect in the province, including from the Red River Valley in Emerson to the Red River Floodway inlet south of Winnipeg, as issued by the Hydrologic Forecast Centre on Sunday afternoon, as per CTV News.
Meanwhile, an overland flood warning is also underway in some parts of southern Manitoba. Canadian weather authorities said that the water levels in the majority of tributaries in the Red River basin and along the Red River have risen, claiming it will continue in the coming days due to rainfall.
Heavy rain has flooded basements and roads in southern Manitoba, resulting in some cases of power outages in the western parts of the province.
Some Winnipeggers are reportedly claiming the collapse of their basement walls as sump pumps are unable to accommodate incoming floodwaters.
Affected Areas
The latest weather event is being caused by a low-pressure area from Colorado, also referred to as 'The Colorado low,'" which kept bringing rain and snow in the said area, according to Environment Canada Meteorologist Dave Carlson, who told 680 CJOB, as cited by Global News Canada.
This came after the southern basins of the province also including portions of the US Pembina, Red, Roseau, and Souris river basins were hit with 60 mm. worth of precipitation on Friday, April 22.
Before Sunday afternoon, the flood water levels along James Avenue were recorded to be 17.61 feet.
The City of Winnipeg has estimated the water level range in the city will reach between 18 and 19 feet on the said major road.
Several areas such as The Forks received 65 mm. of rain, while Altona recorded 73 mm., and the St. Adolphe incurred 67 mm.
Moreover, the Westman region of the province has led to some highway closures and power outages due to heavy wet snow.
Power outages in 900 Manitoba Hydro has affected more than 20,000 customers as of Sunday at 5:00 p.m. (local time), as cited by Global News Canada.
Basement and Overland Flooding
To address the growing concern of flooding, the government website of the City of Winnipeg stated that sandbags are currently available 24 hours per day in the following areas for residents experiencing overland flooding:
- 1220 Pacific Avenue
- 1090 Thomas Avenue
- 1539 Waverley Street
The sandbags will serve as a blockage to floodwaters, notably in the basement or the vicinity of the house.
The City of Winnipeg defines basement flooding occurs when torrential rain and wastewater overwhelm the sewer system, which flows into sewer lines and into basements that are not well-protected.
On the other hand, the Winnipeg government emphasized that overland flooding occurs when there is excessive water around the house due to poor drainage.
The officials also advised homeowners to test their sump pumps and ensure the drains are clear prior to usage.
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