Waterlogged Prairies: 150+ mm of rain prompts evacuations, local states of emergencies
Digital Reporter
Monday, June 30, 2014, 8:54 AM - Days of torrential downpours across parts of the Prairies have resulted in evacuations and over 20 local states of emergencies.
The hardest hit areas include communities along the Saskatchewan/Manitoba border where between 100-200 mm of rain has been recorded since Friday.
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"Rain continues over the hardest hit areas with another 15 mm or so expected today," said Environment Canada in a rainfall warning issued early Monday. "The rain should taper off later this afternoon with only slight accumulations into the overnight period."
Saskatchewan officials say the province is deploying teams to flood-affected affected areas and is collecting flood control equipment in Regina.
That will help cut response times for areas needing help, officials say.
Serious flooding from 150mm/6" in 24 hr thru SE Saks; Roads washed out MT @TomsTianna Redvers SK #skstorm pic.twitter.com/TdJ1msX5a0
— Chris Scott (@ChrisScottWx) June 29, 2014
Several main highways and secondary roads remain closed and officials say water also covers stretches of the Trans-Canada Highway west of Brandon, Manitoba.
Flights at Brandon's airport have also been disrupted after the facility's main access road was flooded.
Residents are being urged to delay showers, baths, and even flushing toilets to prevent additional strain on the water systems.
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In addition to the flooding rains, damaging winds that whipped through Manitoba left hundreds of homes without power over the weekend.
According to hydro spokesperson Scott Powell, they've been overloaded with calls throughout southern Manitoba and the Interlake region, with power lines affected in both urban and rural areas.
With files from The Canadian Press
