Stationary line of storms dump flooding rains on Winnipeg
Digital Reporter
Friday, August 22, 2014, 11:06 AM - A relatively stationary line of storms initiated over Winnipeg Thursday resulting in major flooding in and around the city.
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"No official amounts have been released, though 25-50 mm of rain in under two hours has been reported by a meteorologist at Environment Canada," says Weather Network meteorologist Brett Soderholm, adding that other sources claim up to 75 mm fell.
Severe thunderstorm warnings were issued for this system, which started at around 7 pm local time.
Multiple roads were closed across the city due to flooding, causing major traffic delays through the evening. Power outages at traffic lights also resulted in gridlocks.
Winnipeg police advised motorists to avoid flooded roads, offering this advice for kayak enthusiasts.
Do not attempt to travel through flooded underpasses. Kayaking & Canoeing on your sidewalk w/an approved PFD would be appropriate. #mbstorm
— Winnipeg Police (@wpgpolice) August 22, 2014
Several people posted pictures on Twitter, some floating in canoes, kayaks and even one person SNORKELING.
Go Winnipeg! #mbstorm pic.twitter.com/qrr8ypMj0b
— MattCundill (@MattCundill) August 22, 2014Guy now out and trying to salvage anything he can as his car sinks... Huge rains continue in #Winnipeg. #MBSTORM pic.twitter.com/iXl2ZVbG0f
— Jeremy Desrochers (@Cameraman_Jer) August 21, 2014Higgins underpass around 8pm. I ended up wading through it to get to Concert Hall JUST in time for Wicked! #mbstorm pic.twitter.com/3AjNgnQkrR
— Melissa Tait (@meltait) August 22, 2014
Significant rain is also forecast for the eastern Prairies this weekend as a low pushes up from the states.
"Preliminary estimates indicate as much as 60 mm could fall over two days in southern Saskatchewan, while closer to 80 mm is possible along the Manitoba/Ontario border," adds Soderholm.
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