Storms and heavy rain have caused urban and flash flooding in several cities across Canada and northern USA.
Flooding was reported in parts of southern Saskatchewan, Canada, including Regina after 34 mm of rain fell in a short period of time on 16 July 2019. Several vehicles were trapped in flood water after several streets in Regina were inundated.
Avoid the underpasses on Albert/Sask Drive and Broad/Sask Drive. Blocked off for flooding. Underpass at Winnipeg/Dewdney now open but drive carefully. It’s wet and muddy. pic.twitter.com/VHr8BgrXu5
— Regina Police (@reginapolice) July 17, 2019
It was a similar story in Toronto, where flooded highways caused major traffic disruption around the city, in particular along Highway 401 at Islington where images on Social Media showed vehicles almost completely submerged.
Some areas of the region saw between 70 and 90mm of rain on 16 July. The Toronto and Region Conservation Authority issued a flood warning in particular for areas close to rivers.
Chief Communications Officer for the City of Toronto, Brad Ross, said that there have been no reports of injuries or evacuations as a result of the rain event. He added, “The City continues to monitor the weather forecast and City Transportation and Toronto Water crews, as well as emergency first responders, are prepared to respond to calls to deal with any flooding-related emergencies.”
Car Recovery from the flooding at #Hwy401 and Islington #onstorm @weathernetwork pic.twitter.com/xCKvo6AYol
— Sonny Subra (@SonnySubra) July 17, 2019
This map shows the significant rainfall the city saw this morning, especially in the northwest of Toronto. Several road closures resulted, and some still remain closed as crews work to clear catch basins to allow water to recede. 1/5 pic.twitter.com/xFIIPpe2CG
— Brad Ross (@bradrossTO) July 17, 2019
Flooding #Hwy401 EB ramp to Islington. Cars are into the water. @Toronto_Fire here #ONstorm #GTAstorm @StormhunterTWN @weathernetwork when the rain stops???? pic.twitter.com/X02BOPf3Nn
— Sonny Subra (@SonnySubra) July 17, 2019
In Edmonton, Alberta, around 40mm of rain fell in a few hours on 17 July. Edmonton Fire Rescue Services responded to multiple vehicles that were stuck due to flooding.
Perhaps not bragging rights, but the north end of Edmonton bore the brunt of today's storms. Here are the totals so far. Are the roads flooded where you are? Pictures? BTW the rain is not done with us yet. #abstorm #yeg pic.twitter.com/OMsbXqbgOv
— Phil Darlington (@PhilDWeather) July 18, 2019
Meanwhile south of the border, more than 50mm of rain fell in an hour 16 July, flooding streets and causing power outages throughout the Minneapolis–Saint Paul Twin Cities metro area.
@NWSTwinCities Tuesday's flooding at Lyndale Ave S & 22nd St W in Minneapolis about 5:15pm. Photos by Jason Grote. #MNwx pic.twitter.com/ntxBMEdSQR
— WO7VES (@callsignWO7VES) July 17, 2019
YIKES! Flash flooding seen this afternoon from Minneapolis, Minnesota. If you see flooding, turn around & don't drown. Photo courtesy of Katelyn Reid. #Flooding #MNwx pic.twitter.com/da7JvIQ8GI
— Mark Tarello (@mark_tarello) July 16, 2019