Canada and USA – Storms Cause Urban Flooding and Traffic Disruption

by in Americas, News, USA

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.

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.”

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.

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.