Parts of western Alberta were told to brace for as much as 100 millimetres (mm) of “extremely heavy” rain by Sunday, prompting a rainfall warning from Environment Canada.
A slow-moving low-pressure system is slated to affect west-central Alberta starting with showers and thunderstorms beginning on Thursday night. Very heavy rain is expected to last until Sunday morning.
“Widespread rainfall totals of 70 to 90 mm are expected by Sunday morning as two rounds of heavy precipitation will impact the region,” the national weather agency said when issuing the warning on Thursday.
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Environment Canada said higher rainfall amounts in excess of 125 mm are possible along the eastern slopes of the foothills and along the higher terrain near Grande Prairie.
Enhanced precipitation amounts are also likely under slow moving thunderstorms both Thursday evening and Friday night.
“The heaviest rain is expected from the Saddle Hills County area southward to the Yellowhead highway,” Environment Canada said, adding the current weather patterns indicate the city of Grande Prairie will see up to 100 mm of rain by Sunday evening.
“The highest amounts will be largely variable due to the thunderstorm activity.”
Periods of lighter rain are also likely to persist through to Monday evening, Environment Canada said.
Environment Canada issued these reminders:
- Heavy downpours are likely to cause flash floods and water pooling on roads. Fast-moving water across a road can sweep a vehicle away.
- Rapidly rising rivers and creeks can sweep away bridges, culverts, buildings, and people. Don’t approach washouts near rivers, creeks and culverts.
- Campers should move away from low-lying areas. Those in low-lying areas or valleys should be prepared to move to higher terrain in advance of rapidly rising water.
For a complete list of areas in Alberta where a weather alert has been issued, click here.
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