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

A rainfall warning remains in effect for Calgary as the city is pummelled by heavy rain. Luckily, the levels aren't anywhere near that of the 2013 flood.

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.

• Sign up for breaking news alerts from CTV News, right at your fingertips
• The information you need to know, sent directly to you: Download the CTV News App

“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 centimetres.”

‘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.

“We’re getting closer to doubling what was already deemed dangerous or hazardous to people;” said Alex Kwan of the Calgary Fire Department.

“There is a much higher volume and the flow rate is much, much quicker.”

The peak flow on the Bow River reached just below 400 cubic metres a second, far from the 2013 peak of 2,400 cubic metres a second.

Kwan says 40 to 50 millimetres of rain has already fallen in the Bow and Elbow river basins with more rain in the coming days.

Meanwhile, 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 had already put boat advisories in effect, and officials are asking residents to avoid riverbanks and stay off the water until conditions improve.

The city says the rain is expected to peak before slowing down on 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.

Strong winds have also led to downed trees has impacted power in parts of the city, while the rainfall is also creating headaches for homeowners. Pete Archdekin, owner of Pete the Plumber, said his company has seen a rise in calls related to the flooding.

“We’ve got 25 already this morning.” Archdekin said. “Wet basements, sump pump problems, water spewing everywhere.”

Archdekin recommends checking that downspouts are attached and directed five feet away from the home.

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.