Heavy rain forecast through Tuesday; rivers already above safe levels
Environment Canada warns of 30-60 mm rainfall in Calgary area. Bow River water flow has exceeded safe levels. Boating advisory in effect.
Heavy rainfall is expected to drench Calgary and surrounding areas from Sunday through Tuesday as an Alberta low-pressure system moves in.
Environment Canada forecasts 30 to 60 millimetres of total rainfall, with scattered showers Saturday and heavier rain Sunday night into Tuesday. Some areas could see up to 60 mm.
The Bow and Elbow rivers are already running above safe levels, and a boating advisory remains in effect. The Calgary Fire Department said Friday that water flow rates have exceeded safe thresholds and are expected to rise further with incoming rain. Water levels in the Glenmore reservoir have been reduced by approximately one metre as a precaution.
On the eastern side of the province, from Fort McMurray to Lethbridge, rainfall warnings are in effect for 50 to 100 millimetres. The province expects water will pool on roads and residents should watch for washouts near rivers, creeks, and culverts.
Premier Danielle Smith said Saturday that the province is monitoring the situation but does not expect flooding at the level seen in 2013. "We step in when the local agencies get overwhelmed, so we've been on standby," she said.
Calgarians are advised to stay off the rivers and exercise caution around their banks through the weekend.