Manitoba issues overland flood watch due to heavy rainfall

An overland flood watch has been issued for parts of southwestern Manitoba as heavy rainfall is expected to continue through Saturday. The province’s hydrologic forecast centre warned that widespread rainfall totals of 20 to 40 millimetres are forecast for much of the region, with the heaviest precipitation occurring west of Brandon.

Specific areas, including Virden and Melita, could see between 50 and 80 millimetres of rain, while severe thunderstorms may bring localized amounts of up to 120 millimetres. The watch extends from Melita in the south to Russell and parts of Riding Mountain National Park, and from the Saskatchewan border to Brandon, Minnedosa, and Onanole.

The heavy rain may also impact the Souris River basin in Saskatchewan. Environment and Climate Change Canada has issued special weather statements for multiple areas in western Manitoba, including Dauphin and Riding Mountain National Park. This follows previous flooding in the region earlier this year, which led several municipalities to declare local states of emergency.