Flood watch issued in southern Alberta
Digital Reporter
Monday, June 16, 2014, 6:36 PM -
Between 60 and 100+ millimeters are expected in parts of southern Alberta between Monday and Wednesday, prompting authorities to issue a flood watch for several communities.
The Bow, Oldman, South Saskatchewan and Milk river basins are currently under advisory.
LIVE COVERAGE. WHERE AND WHEN: ON Tuesday The Weather Network cameras will be in Calgary to provide live coverage of the active weather. Reporter Deb Matejicka will provide updated information starting at 7 a.m. local
Flooding is not considered imminent at present but communities in low-lying areas are being advised to monitor the weather conditions.
According to the Alberta government, up to 70 mm of rain is expected in the Bow River basin and as much as 125 mm of rain could accumulate in southern Alberta between the Oldman River basin and Cypress Hills.
"Once you get into triple-digit rainfall forecasts over a three-day period, localized flooding becomes a real possibility," says Weather Network meteorologist Brett Soderholm.
"That said, Alberta has learned a lot since the 2013 floods and has contingency plans in place."
Monday's flood potential comes roughly one year after parts of Alberta were devastated by the worst flooding in Canadian history.
REMEMBERING THE 2013 FLOODS
Thirty-two states of emergency were declared across the province starting on June 19, 2013, as the flows of three major rivers rose to almost 10 times their normal rates.
Four people were confirmed dead and over 100,000 people were displaced across the province.
ANALYSIS ON 2013 FLOODING IN ALBERTA: Two must-read, expert analysis columns from The Weather Network meteorology department. READ: Why So Much Rain? | ALSO: It Could Happen Again
It is considered the costliest disaster in Canadian history with an estimated $5 billion in damage.
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