Temperatures are expected to swing back and forth this week, but with a few sustained days of warmer weather, provincial flood watchers are warning to be ready for the runoff to begin.
Manitoba’s Hydrologic Forecast Centre said the warmer temperatures expected this week will accelerate snowmelt and increase ice movement across southern and central Manitoba. Runoff is expected to begin this week across much of central Manitoba, including the Parkland and Interlake regions, as well as the Fisher River and Icelandic River basins.
The Parkland region had been among those listed as at elevated risk of flooding in previous flood bulletins from the province. Concern for that area remains but, according to the province’s official flood map, there are no floods in the area yet. The Assiniboine River is rising and is showing above its normal levels for Brandon near 18th Street.
Later this week, rain and even snow are expected in many parts of the province. The Hydrologic Forecast Centre expects Central and Northern Manitoba to be the most heavily affected, with the areas near The Pas getting as much as 40 centimeters between Thursday and Sunday.
Meanwhile, they offered an update on areas in the Interlake region that have been at especially high risk of flooding.
“Flood preparation continues in areas such as Peguis First Nation and Fisher River Cree Nation, and thanks to the hard work of community members, volunteers and provincial staff a significant number of homes have been protected against flooding. More than half a million sandbags and over 11,000 super sandbags have been provided to assist Peguis First Nation, while more than 36,000 sandbags and over 1,000 super sandbags have been provided to assist Fisher River Cree Nation.”
