Flood warning issued for Manitoba’s Red River Valley

A flood warning was issued for Manitoba’s Red River Valley as the province dealt with rain, snow, road closures, flooded streets and power outages over the weekend.

The province’s Hydrologic Forecast Centre issued the warning Sunday afternoon.

It covers the area from Emerson at the U.S. border to the Red River Floodway inlet just south of the city of Winnipeg.

“Water levels on most tributaries in the Red River basin and along the Red River main stem are rising quickly in response to the rainfall and will continue to rise over the coming days,” said the Manitoba government in its most recent flood bulletin.

“Some ditches and waterways are still ice covered or contain snow-limiting water flows. As high amounts of rainfall occurring in a short period may cause overland flooding, citizens are advised of the potential for the sudden rise of water levels in these areas.”

READ: Winnipeggers deal with streets, basements flooded as weekend rainfall continues in southern Manitoba

Manitoba says some basins received 60 mm of precipitation since April 22. Another 10 mm of precipitation was expected Sunday.

The province said it activated the Red River Floodway on Saturday, which diverts some of the river’s flow around Winnipeg.

“Manitobans are reminded to stay off waterways including creeks, streams, rivers and the floodway,” said the province. “High flows, debris, and cold temperatures present a significant safety risk.”

Environment Canada said a Colorado Low continues to bring significant rain, with amounts reaching 30 to 60 mm in total for southern Manitoba over the weekend.

It noted that this much precipitation over frozen or saturated ground may lead to localized flooding including in basements and underpasses.

READ: Thousands without power as storm ravages southern Manitoba

Manitoba had already had an overland flood warning in effect since Thursday that extended from the Saskatchewan boundary eastward to Highway 12 and from the United States border north to the Trans-Canada.

A high-water advisory has also been issued for the Whiteshell lakes area, as levels on most lakes continue to rise due to the rain and snow melt.

—With files from The Canadian Press.