Manitoba Transportation and Infrastructure’s Hydrologic Forecast Centre is issuing an overland flood warning for southwestern Manitoba as forecasters continue to monitor a precipitation system starting Friday morning (May 12) that could bring as much as 150 millimetres (mm) of rain to the area tomorrow and May 13.
A significant precipitation system is forecasted to affect most of North Dakota and could move north into the areas west of Provincial Trunk Highway (PTH) 10, extending north from the Canada-U.S. border to just north of the Trans-Canada Highway, affecting communities such as Brandon, Griswold, Deloraine, Melita, Boissevain, Souris and Virden. An overland flood warning is being issued for these areas effective early tomorrow morning and ending May 13 at midday.
Some weather forecast models indicate the potential of severe thunderstorms, with the system bringing up to 150 mm of rain. Heavy rain occurring over a short period on saturated soils could create overland flooding or significant surface run-off in a short period. Water level forecasts will be updated to determine the effects of this precipitation.
The Manitoba Emergency Measures Organization continues to work with all local authorities and emergency management partners to provide guidance and support for response and recovery activities.
Members of the public are also asked to keep away from flooded areas. Up-to-date information on highway conditions, including detours and road closures, is available at www.manitoba511.ca or by calling 511.
Flood mitigation assistance questions can be directed to local municipal authorities. In case of an emergency, residents are advised to contact 911.
For more information about flooding in Manitoba, including forecasts, visit www.manitoba.ca/flooding
