Rainfall warning continues in Calgary, between 50 to 100 mm expected

City officials are monitoring river conditions closely as rain continues to call in Calgary. Mason DePatie has details.

The City of Calgary remains under a rainfall warning, and the situation isn’t expected to get much better anytime soon.

Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) warned Monday that anywhere from 50 to 100 millimetres expected through Tuesday, when the system tracks eastward.

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“Areas along the Saskatchewan border will see moderate rain continue into Wednesday morning,” ECCC said in its advisory, which includes almost half of the province of Alberta, including Edmonton.

Meanwhile, some areas west of Calgary are under special weather statements.

“Total amounts of 40 to 60 millimetres are expected by the time rain tapers off Tuesday evening,” ECCC said in the statement, which includes Banff and Lake Louise.

“Snow will fall over higher elevations. Total amounts of 10 to 20 centimetres are possible, with the highest snow accumulations expected above 2,000 metres.”

‘Conditions can change’

While officials say this is different from the weather conditions in 2013, the heavy rain has led to high river flow advisories on the Bow and Elbow Rivers.

Mayor Jeromy Farkas says city staff are monitoring the situation very closely.

“Calgary’s proximity to the Rocky Mountains means, around this time of year, about May 15 to June 15, we’re at increased risk of flooding,” he told CTV Your Morning Calgary on Monday.

“We are prepared if conditions change - and conditions can change suddenly and without warning.”

The city says the rain should slow down by Tuesday.

“After Tuesday, we do still see relatively cool temperatures and additional potential moisture coming in the atmosphere to our area, so it’s possible we’ll see additional precipitation,” said Frank Frigo with the City of Calgary.

Risky riverbanks

Residents, including those living west of the city, are being urged to stay away from riverbanks, which could be eroding with the fast-moving water.

There’s also a risk of debris and other dangerous conditions near the water.

“Cochrane RCMP has responded to multiple complaints of people who are venturing too close to the Bow River,” police said in a statement on Sunday. “Water levels are very high right now and it is dangerous to be so close.

“Think about your own safety and the safety of the first responders who must respond if the worst happens. Be smart and be safe.”

Farkas says as of Monday morning, conditions are stable in Calgary, but rivers are high.

“We’re asking for Calgarians to help by staying away from riverbanks. Please avoid activities on the river right now,” he said.

“Let’s do everything we can to keep our first responders safe.”

In the meantime, the City of Calgary has closed several low-lying pathways and bridge underpasses and officials are monitoring the situation closely.