Clean up begins after summer storm pummels Winnipeg

It only lasted about an hour, but in that 60-minutes,  roadways in various parts of the city became waterways as a summer storm pummeled parts of Winnipeg.

Up to 80 millimeters, or three inches, of rain fell in areas of the city, such as Whyte Ridge and Lindenwoods. However, other parts received barely any.

On Thursday night, police barricaded flooded roadways, but by Friday morning, those same areas were dried and cleared.

For many, cleaning up will mean drying out their vehicles.

Soaked cars, remained littered on the sides of the roadways early Friday, as drivers had been forced to abandon them.

One man told Global News, the water rushed in so quickly, he had to climb out of the window.

A spokesperson for Manitoba Public Insurance said it is expecting a number of vehicles will be written off from the water damage. Its claim center will open Friday morning and the company is encouraging drivers to call and open a claim and get the damage assessed.

CAA normally deals with about 25 calls a day. A spokesperson told Global News, after 6 p.m. Thursday night, its drivers responded to 90 calls for service.

Businesses were also affected by the torrential storm. Polo Park Mall had sections cordoned off with caution tape to keep shoppers away from the wet areas.

Rumor’s Comedy Club is cleaning up and has been forced to cancel all shows for the next two weeks as staff replace waterlogged portions of the building.

The club suffered $100,000 in water damage after a flash flood forced it to close its doors in June 2013.

When it happened last year the owner had said the club, “probably had about a foot of water throughout the whole facility.”

But while the water is a huge concern for businesses and homeowners, for some, it was a chance to get outside and have some fun.

Winnipeggers brought out their canoes and kayaks and paddled down some city streets, while others went for a short swim.