SASKATOON — The city experienced a localized thunderstorm Monday afternoon, which was a common weather event according to Environment and Climate Change Canada meteorologist Terri Lang.
Lang and City of Saskatoon Utilities and Environment General Manager Angela Gardiner provided an update on the rain event and the response by the city government to the flash flooding that occurred.
Lang said the thunderstorm affected the eastern and southeastern parts of the city based on the amount of rainfall that was provided to them by volunteer stations in those areas. The recorded rainfall at the airport was less than a millimeter.
“The rainfall amounts that we’re getting from volunteers in the east and southeastern parts of the city, was anywhere from 45 to 75 millimetres of rain that fell in a very short period, most of which fell between 1 and 2 p.m.,” said Lang.
“Then it kind of just kept going on from there. The thunderstorm … kept developing in place and that's why we saw the amount of rain we did. When these thunderstorms happen over cities and towns [sometimes] it is hard for the rain to be absorbed into the ground.”
She added that thunderstorm cells are often small units and stationary flooding can happen due to heavy rainfall, just like a similar event that happened in North Battleford last week where it rained for almost six hours.
“We don't see it every year. It's particularly devastating when it goes over to towns and cities where there's more pavement … rain has nowhere to go but certainly [it is] a notable event here. We haven't seen one of these for a few years in the city.”
Lang has given an all-clear on the weather event as most of the energy of the storm moved out, but the city will still expect some light showers and thunderstorms into the evening.
Gardiner said they have been monitoring flood-prone areas in the city. A video circulating on social media showed traffic is at a standstill in a portion of Circle Drive near the Taylor Street bridge. Two cars can be seen submerged in flood waters.
“There are some areas throughout the city both on Circle Drive as well as other areas that we know are flood-prone depending on the type of rainfall and the severity of it. So those are areas that we keep an eye on,” said Gardiner.
“We’re aware that there was some flooding on Circle Drive in the south and southeast areas of the city. I don't have any updates from our emergency services on the condition of the drivers or passengers that would have to be referred to Saskatoon police or Saskatoon fire.”
She then gave an update on the flood control strategy and projects being done by the city like the dry storm pond located at W.W. Ashley Park east of Saskatoon that would alleviate some risk of flooding in the surrounding area.
“This summer, we are going to be embarking on our second project, in Churchill Park. That will be the second location where we construct it [a dry storm pond]. It’s a 10-year program that has to be done in partnership with the federal government,” said Gardiner.
She added that they are looking forward to the impact of dry storm ponds in reducing the risk of flooding in the areas where it will be built.
