Brandon is under four active weather alerts today as heavy rain continues to fall and the Assiniboine River climbs, keeping low-lying neighbourhoods on edge. Environment Canada has also issued a severe thunderstorm watch for the afternoon, warning that storms could bring large hail, strong winds, and even a tornado.
The Manitoba Hydrologic Forecast Centre upgraded an overland flood watch to a warning early June 29, as another 60 to 100 millimetres of rain is expected across western Manitoba between now and July 2. One overland flow alert covers the entire region, while a separate flood warning has been in place along the Assiniboine River from Shellmouth Dam to Brandon since June 23, after water levels spilled over the river channel and caused minor to major flooding.
Right now, it is 22°C with a 100 percent chance of more rain, and about 20 millimetres is expected before the day is over. Humidity is sitting at 88 percent, and the ground was already soaked from a rainy spring and several downpours in May and June that have kept the Assiniboine high since late April.
The afternoon thunderstorm risk adds another layer of danger. Environment Canada says a low pressure system will mix with unstable air over southern Manitoba, creating the right conditions for severe storms that could pack large hail, strong wind gusts, and heavy rain. The agency says residents should also be ready for a possible tornado. The alert comes one day after a confirmed tornado touched down near Rossburn, part of a string of severe weather moving through the province.
City officials are asking people in low-lying areas to stay alert and never drive through flooded roads. Anyone living near the river is encouraged to keep an eye on the forecast and check the City of Brandon website for updates on pathway closures and emergency steps. The weather is expected to start clearing later in the week, with temperatures climbing into the mid-20s by Friday, but until then more rain and the chance of sudden storms mean flood risks will stay high.
