Calgary rainfall warning, river watch issued
Posted Jun 13, 2022 9:24 am.
Last Updated Jun 13, 2022 3:08 pm.
It’s going to be a wet start to the week in the Calgary area, with a rainfall warning and river watch issued for the Elbow and Bow rivers.
Environment Canada is warning of a “prolonged and significant rainfall event,” with between 75 to 125 millimetres of rain expected by Wednesday morning.
Read more: Heavy rain expected for Calgary to start the week
“What makes this low, this system, this rainmaker so significant is not the intensity of rain coming at any specific time, it’s the duration. The low is a very slow mover, pumps up out of Nebraska, gets up into Saskatchewan and Manitoba, and we get into those rain bands around Calgary and across a good chunk of central and western Alberta over the next 48 to 72 hours,” explained CityNews 660 Meteorologist Michael Kuss.
“Right now I’m anticipating the most consistent bands of rain — where it’s raining steadily for an extended period of time — from around 8 p.m. or 9 p.m. tonight to about 6 a.m. or 7 a.m. tomorrow. Timing is okay but we could see some localized flooding, at least in that stretch,” he said Monday.
On rain watch this morning! Tune in @citynewscalgary 660 AM…these guys don’t seem to mind! #rainfallwarning #peacebridge #canadiangeese pic.twitter.com/FPG3yJeSBU
— Gaby Rios (@GabyRYYC) June 13, 2022
Several low laying pathways near the Elbow and Bow rivers have been shut down due to concerns, with advisories warning people to stay away.
The City of Calgary has lowered water levels at upstream reservoirs on the Bow River and at the Glenmore Reservoir in preparation of the rainfall, making way for more flood water. It is also telling boaters to stay off the water due to conditions.
“No flooding over riverbanks is expected, however, flow rates are expected to increase, making conditions on and near the river dangerous. Water temperature remains cold and with the higher flow rates, water turbidity is increased, making hazards difficult to see,” the city wrote on Twitter Sunday.
Members of the Fire Department Aquatics Team will be monitoring the rivers while the advisory is in place. For the safety of river users and emergency responders, we advise everyone to stay off the Elbow River until conditions return to safer levels and the advisory is lifted.
— City of Calgary (@cityofcalgary) June 12, 2022
By Wednesday morning, the Calgary area is expected to receive a month’s worth of rain for this time of year.
For more information visit rivers.alberta.ca.
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