Posted on: October 11, 2019 |
Manitoba Infrastructure’s Hydrologic Forecast Centre continues monitoring a severe weather system forecast to bring substantial precipitation to a large area of Manitoba.
As of this morning, 30 to 40 millimetres (mm) of precipitation fell in the southern and southeastern portions of the province. An additional 30 to 75 mm of precipitation is in the forecast until noon on Saturday.
Levels at the Whiteshell lakes continue to rise due to the precipitation system. Access to residential and seasonal structures may be temporarily lost around Caddy Lake. Officials are advising people in the area.
Waterways in the south and southeast section of the province, including the area of the Roseau River, Vita, Gardenton and Joubert Creek, are seeing the rain-snow mix influence river flows. Levels have started to rise in these areas and could bring localized overland flooding of low-lying areas.
The Red River Floodway, activated at approximately 7 p.m. Wednesday, continues to operate under Rule 4 to lower levels within the city of Winnipeg.
A high wind effect warning continues for the south basin of Lake Manitoba and shorelines near Gimli on the west and Victoria Beach on the east side of Lake Winnipeg. Areas of south Dauphin Lake and Winnipegosis are also impacted.
Wind speed and wave action could raise levels by as much as five feet or more. Property owners are advised to take precautions.
Lake Manitoba is currently at 811.32 feet above sea level (FSL) and Lake Winnipeg is currently at 713.58 FSL.
The province is working closely with all municipalities in south and southeast Manitoba to provide information and assistance as needed.
Provincial staff are also in the impacted areas monitoring water levels and provincial infrastructure.
Manitoba Hydro crews are responding to multiple outages. People should avoid fallen power lines and call 911. Treat all lines as energized and do not touch tree branches that have fallen on lines. If power is affected by the storm, Manitoba Hydro has tips to help people stay warm and keep food safe at www.hydro.mb.ca/outages/power_outages/.
Motorists are reminded to slow down and drive according to road conditions. They are also asked to slow down for emergency equipment working on or near highways.
Road conditions are available anytime at 511 (toll-free), at www.manitoba511.ca, by following the Twitter account at www.twitter.com/MBGovRoads or by downloading the 511 Manitoba app.
