Saskatoon could get hit with heavy rainfall in excess of 60 mm: Environment Canada

Saskatoon could get hit with up to 60 millimetres of rain between Thursday and Friday, according to a warning from Environment Canada.

The federal weather service issued the warning shortly before 5 a.m. on Thursday, saying periods of rainfall will start Thursday afternoon, turning heavy in the evening and continuing throughout the day on Friday.

Environment Canada expects between 40 and 60 millimetres of relatively steady rain in that period, although some locations “will receive heavier bursts of rainfall that will fall very quickly.”

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Terri Lang, a meteorologist with Environment Canada, expects upwards of 50mm of rain in about a 12 to 15-hour period but says some areas could see upwards of 80 mm.

“Some thunderstorms are developing in Montana and through southeastern Saskatchewan, and what they will do is sort of spread out in the evening and overnight period into an area of intense rainfall,” she told CTV News on Thursday.

Lang said the weather system will likely move up from the southeast towards northwestern Saskatchewan.

Environment Canada said the rain will be accompanied by strong winds from the east, with gusts from 70 to 80 kilometres an hour.

The Water Security Agency (WSA) says the rainfall is expected to impact the headwaters of the North and South Saskatchewan rivers in Alberta, which will increase runoff and flows in rivers and lakes across Saskatchewan, and may cause localized flooding.

“WSA will be monitoring the situation closely throughout the weekend,” WSA said.

Pamela Goulden-McLeod, director of emergency management with the City of Saskatoon, says emergency crews are prepared for the downpour.

“Roadways Fleet and Support are prepared if there's flooded intersections, they’re going to get signs out to let people know, our fire and our police staff are all prepared for any type of response they would need,” Goulden-McLeod said.

She reminds residents to keep safety top of mind.

“If you see a larger puddle than normal, don't go through it. The same thing with our storm ponds and retention ponds, just please stay away from those areas,” she said.

“We just don't need anybody around them being in danger.”

Environment Canada is expecting conditions to improve late Friday.