Thunderstorm warning in Calgary ends, some areas experiencing flash flooding: ECCC
Posted Jun 29, 2023 7:05 pm.
Last Updated Jun 30, 2023 1:25 pm.
Some parts of Calgary experienced flash flooding, and Environment and Climate Change Canada’s (ECCC) thunderstorm warning ended Thursday at around 7:45 p.m.
The rain came down in buckets over parts of Calgary at around 6:30 p.m., with some areas, like 17 Avenue SW, experiencing flooding.
Insane storm in Calgary, my 5 minute drive back from the grocery store downtown took me 30 minutes…streets are not doing too hot. #yyc #Calgary pic.twitter.com/uoOgd4s5Fg
— Logan Stein (@L0ganStein) June 30, 2023
“Insane storm in Calgary, my five-minute drive back from the grocery store downtown took me 30 minutes…streets are not doing too hot,” reads a tweet from CityNews reporter Logan Stein.
Meanwhile, 10 Street NW near the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT) closed in both directions due to flash flooding at around 8 p.m., with police saying motorists should expect it to be closed for around two hours.
That went for 52 Avenue at 72 Avenue in the southeast, which was also closed due to flooding — although it has since reopened.
UPDATE: NB lanes on 52nd are now open.
— CityNews Calgary Traffic (@CityNews660) June 30, 2023
Calgary Police Service Sgt Chris Martin is asking people not to proceed if they find themselves in an underpass with water “unless you’re confident it is shallow enough for your vehicle to get through safely.”
“Vehicles getting stuck in flooded underpasses is a common call during and after storms and it needlessly puts you at risk,” he said in a tweet.
If you find yourself at an underpass with water in it, do not proceed unless you're confident it is shallow enough for your vehicle to get through safely. Vehicles getting stuck in flooded underpasses is a common call during & after storms & it needlessly puts you at risk. https://t.co/nkxT6cYvj7
— Sergeant Chris Martin (@CPSSgtMartin) June 30, 2023
One person tweeted a video of them driving on Stoney Trail, saying that straight-line winds knocked over a motorcycle rider, adding he went over and picked him up.
“Do not stop under the overpass,” his tweet reads.
More hail to come. Straight line winds knocked over a motorcycle rider. Stopped and picked him up. Heavy rains. Hail and wind on Stoney right now. Do not stop under the overpasses. #abstorm #abwx #ShareYourWeather @HouckisPokisewx @KyleBrittainWX pic.twitter.com/hzDvsfLvJ7
— Brad In YYC ???????????????? (@Brad_In_YYC) June 30, 2023
Others online shared the storm, with torrential rain, hail, and lightning strikes hitting a number of buildings in the downtown area.
SOUND ON:
Lightning hits several buildings in downtown Calgary…including a close one!#yyc #abstorm #Shockwave pic.twitter.com/3OFDzTuGjm
— Kyle Brittain (@BadWeatherKyle) June 30, 2023
That was a wild microburst or something we had at the west end of downtown. Wind switch, torrential rain, hail – my balcony flooded. ???? look at those hail shafts moving north to south. pic.twitter.com/xSDPL11sxJ
— Beth Allan (@adolwyn) June 30, 2023
Just raining a little bit in downtown Calgary. Normally we can see the Bow River and Kensington from our balcony #yyc #abstorm pic.twitter.com/I3VSzeLlut
— Big Gay Steve (@MrHappyJavaMan) June 30, 2023
One person captured motorists driving through Memorial Drive covered in water at 7:15 p.m.
Memorial Drive after today's evening storm. #calgary #calgarystorm #yyc #yycroads pic.twitter.com/tDJSAkY35Q
— Nicole Liboiron-Coles (@notefromabroad) June 30, 2023
Meanwhile, Enmax is reporting over a dozen power outages as of 7:30 p.m., affecting around 3,000 customers.
Enmax is reporting several power outages. If you encounter an intersection where the traffic control lights are completely out or flashing red, you must treat it as a 4-way stop. Pay attention, proceed cautiously, be courteous, and look for pedestrians. https://t.co/q4zPLmIAEc
— Sergeant Chris Martin (@CPSSgtMartin) June 30, 2023
Screenshot of power outages in Calgary on Thursday, June 29, 2023. (Enmax)
Earlier, the ECCC said the thunderstorm was moving toward the east at 20 kilometres per hour.
“Heavy downpours can cause flash floods and water pooling on roads. Large hail can damage property and cause injury. Strong wind gusts can toss loose objects, damage weak buildings, break branches off trees, and overturn large vehicles,” the weather agency said.
“Remember, severe thunderstorms can produce tornadoes.”
The storm included heavy rain and nickel-sized hail.
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