Neepawa and the surrounding area are under a special weather statement from Environment Canada, with heavy rain expected to move in overnight and persist through Tuesday. Forecasters say 10 to 40 millimetres of rain could fall widely by Tuesday evening, but some spots might see 30 to 80 millimetres if thunderstorms stall overhead. The rain is tied to showers and storms moving in from Saskatchewan that are expected to strengthen as they track eastward.
The Environment Canada alert was issued at 4:12 a.m. CDT Monday, and it points to a risk of localized flooding and poor travel conditions. Because the ground is already soaked from recent heavy rain across southern Manitoba, runoff could happen fast. The statement notes that the location of the heaviest bands may shift, and it’s possible the warning could be updated.
This wet weather follows an especially stormy stretch for the region. Less than two weeks ago, a powerful storm hammered parts of southern Manitoba, dumping more than 255 millimetres of rain on Stonewall, spinning up tornadoes, and knocking out power to over 25,000 Manitoba Hydro customers. Earlier in June, a separate storm on June 8 downed nearly 16 hydro poles in a Manitoba community, contributing to infrastructure strain in the region. The Whitemud Watershed Conservation District notes that precipitation in Neepawa has been trending upward, and water levels in the Whitemud River watershed can rise quickly with heavy rain.
Residents should monitor local forecasts and be ready for quickly changing conditions. Flood-prone areas could see water pooling on roads and in low-lying spots. Drivers are urged to slow down and watch for reduced visibility if rains become intense. Manitoba Hydro crews remain on alert given the recent damage to poles and lines in the area.
The unsettled pattern is part of a very active June across southern Manitoba. Multiple tornadoes have been confirmed this month, including at least three on June 2 alone. Environment Canada encourages people to report severe weather by emailing [email protected] or using the hashtag #MBStorm on social media.
