Edmonton Thunderstorm Flooding Closes Major Roads and Triggers Power Outages

A severe thunderstorm struck Edmonton on the night of July 25‑26, 2026, bringing intense rain and winds that dumped nearly 30 mm of rain in an hour and produced gusts up to 84 km/h. The deluge caused rapid runoff and flooding on several key arteries, most notably turning the 170 Street under‑pass on Whitemud Drive into a lake and submerging sections of Yellowhead Trail, Groat Road and Connors Road. Vehicles became stranded in waist‑deep water, and firefighters rescued people trapped on the overpasses.

The storm also knocked out electricity for approximately 18 neighbourhoods, prompting crews to clear fallen trees, debris and water. City officials kept Whitemud Drive closed between 156 Street and 178 Street for several hours and advised residents to avoid travel, use public transit where possible, and report issues to 311. Emergency responders continued to work on reopening roads and restoring power into the following day.