A Yellow Watch for severe thunderstorms is in effect for the Municipal District of Wainwright No. 61, Alta., as heavy rain and thunderstorms threaten to bring more flooding to the already soaked region this week.
Environment Canada issued the Yellow Watch at 2:22 p.m. MDT Monday, warning that conditions are favourable for the development of severe thunderstorms capable of producing strong wind gusts, large hail, and heavy rain. With the ground still saturated from earlier June storms, any extra rain could quickly trigger overland flooding, wash out roads, and damage property.
The Wainwright area has already been hammered by rain this month. A storm on June 1 and 2 dumped 79 millimetres on the community, and another system on June 20 and 21 added 41 millimetres more. All that water has left the soil unable to soak up much more, raising the risk that even a modest storm could cause trouble.
Adding to the concern, the Battle River is running higher than normal after weeks of wet weather across central Alberta. Other rivers in the province are also swollen, and some municipalities have already issued overland flooding alerts. The M.D. of Wainwright No. 61 has a Department of Emergency Management with resources to help residents prepare for hazards like flooding.
Residents should stay alert and watch for updates from Environment Canada and local officials as the storms develop.
