Part of Yellowhead Trail in Edmonton was shut down due to flooding Saturday, with the city remaining under an 'orange' severe weather alert for rainfall. The latest dump caused Yellowhead Trail westbound at 170 Street to be closed, according to a noon-hour Edmonton police news bulletin, advising drivers to avoid the area.
Environment Canada Issues Orange Alert
Environment Canada said up to 30 millimetres more rain was to fall Saturday as the racing North Saskatchewan River continues to swell. Another 10 mm of rain was forecast for Saturday night, with warnings of late afternoon wind gusts in the 50 km/h range and the threat of thunderstorms.
The orange 'severe' weather alerts are issued when conditions are ripe for 'significant damage, disruption, or health impacts,' a step up from Environment Canada's 'hazardous' yellow warning, with impacts said to be 'moderate, localized and/or short-term.'
Record Rainfall Approaching
With 203 mm of rain as of Friday for the month of June, Edmonton is on the cusp of breaking the month's 112-year record rainfall set in 1914, when 216.5 mm was recorded. Edmonton's rainfall record for a single month was recorded in 1901 when 282 mm fell.
The soggy bluster is to continue into Sunday, with yet again up to 10 mm of rain in the forecast before the sun breaks through Monday, with a high of 26 C in the cards. But don't expect to turn any weather corners come Canada Day, which this year falls on Wednesday. The sun may poke out Monday but come July 1 and the rest of the week, expect wet and turbulent conditions once again.
High Stream Flow Advisories in Effect
High stream flow advisories in the region were on Saturday in effect for tributaries to the North Saskatchewan River near Edmonton, tributaries to the North Saskatchewan River downstream of Edmonton to the Saskatchewan border, the North Saskatchewan River from Devon to the Saskatchewan border, tributaries to the North Saskatchewan River from Rocky Mountain House to Devon, the Vermilion River, Sturgeon River, Waskatenau Creek, and Redwater Creek.
River Valley Erosion and Closures
Growing erosion in the river valley prompted the City of Edmonton on Thursday to shut down the east sidewalk of the High Level Bridge due to slope instability near the southeast side of the bridge. A number of outdoor activities, from golf to soccer, have been swept aside by the near-constant June showers.
Due to the fresh wave of anticipated heavy rainfall, a large community tree planting event hosted by Trees for Life, Arbor Day Foundation, Root for Trees and Cummins Inc. scheduled for Saturday in Kinnaird Park has been rescheduled for Saturday, July 4.
How to Stay Informed
Epcor advises there are ways to stay on top of any potential flooding, including watching for street signs that are posted when waters are significantly high. The public can visit Alberta River Basins for the latest updates. Anyone experiencing or witnessing drainage issues can also call 780-412-4500 to report it.
