Overland flood watch issued in southwestern Manitoba as rain hits the province

A flood warning sign in Brandon. (John Woods / THE CANADIAN PRESS)

While southeastern Manitoba is being ravaged by wildfires, an overland flood watch has been issued for the southwestern part of the province.

The Hydrologic Forecast Centre issued an overland flood watch Wednesday for areas south of the Trans-Canada Highway between the Virden-Brandon corridor and west of PTH 10, which includes Souris, Melita and Boissevain.

The centre said 80 millimetres of rain could fall by May 16, while other parts of the province could get anywhere from 20 to 70 mm.

“Heavy rainfall over a short period may create high surface runoff which could lead to overland flooding, regardless of current soil moisture condition,” the province said in a news release.

Manitobans are being told to stay off waterways and to stay away from flooded areas.

Along with the flood watch, the forecast centre said high winds are expected along the south basin of Lake Manitoba, as well as the west side of Gimli and the east side of Victoria Beach on Lake Winnipeg.

“North wind gusting up to 80 kilometres per hour and the resulting wave action could raise water levels by as much as five feet or more.”