Overnight, Saskatoon received approximately 80mm of rain in three hours. In some areas, it was more than 100mm.
At this time, the initial assessment indicates that numerous locations throughout the city have experienced surface flooding. As of 6:00 a.m., the City had received 50-060 reports of flooding on streets and homes. Crews are responding to those flooded streets.
Storm water ponds on the west side filled past capacity. The new sewage storage superpipes were filled to capacity and then overflowed through manholes to the surface with the pressure. Combined these storage tanks have a capacity of 3.5 million litres of sewage. The system worked as it was intended, but was overwhelmed by the intensity of the rain.
Numerous powers outages occurred as a result of the storm as well, but power has been restored to those neighbourhoods. Saskatoon Fire and Protective Services responded to 45 storm-related calls, such as downed trees and power lines, cars stuck in flooded intersections, and alarm systems going off.
If your street remains flooded, or if you experienced sewage backup, call the City of Saskatoon at 975-2476. While the City is tracking what areas flooded, you will also need to call your insurance company to report a claim if your basement flooded.
Saskatoon Field House closed
The Saskatoon Field House is closed du to flooding from last night’s storm. It will remain closed until further notice.
All regular programming has been cancelled.
During the closure, patrons are encouraged to continue their fitness routines and activities at other City of Saskatoon civic facilities: Lakewood, Lawson and Cosmo Civic Centres; Terry Fox Track, and the Shaw Centre.
The City of Saskatoon thanks patrons for their co-operation and understanding during this closure.
Water restrictions
Residents are urged to avoid using large amounts of water in order to avoid overloading the sanitary sewer system which leads to the Wastewater Treatment Plant.
Last night’s rain storm placed a large strain on the sanitary (sewage) system. As a result, the Wastewater Treatment Plant is working at full capacity to treat wastewater.
Residents are encouraged to take short showers, and avoid doing laundry or running the dishwasher.
The system should return to normal within the next 24 hours.
The City of Saskatoon thanks residents for their cooperation.
– From the City of Saskatoon
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