An overland flood watch is currently in place for portions of southwestern Manitoba due to ongoing heavy rainfall that is anticipated to persist into Saturday. The hydrologic forecast centre of the province issued the watch, projecting widespread rainfall amounts ranging from 20 to 40 millimetres across much of southwestern Manitoba, with the forecast extending northward towards the Dauphin region.

The Manitoba government highlighted that the most intense rainfall is expected to occur west of Brandon, specifically in areas like Virden and Melita, where precipitation levels could reach 50 to 80 millimetres. Some regions might experience even heavier rainfall, with severe thunderstorms potentially bringing up to 120 millimetres of precipitation. Such intense rainfall within a short period raises the risk of overland flooding.

The province also mentioned the likelihood of the heaviest rainfall spreading westward into the Saskatchewan area of the Souris River basin. Special weather statements were issued by Environment and Climate Change Canada for various locations in western Manitoba on Friday. These statements remained in effect through the afternoon for areas surrounding Dauphin and Riding Mountain National Park.

According to the weather agency, rain persisted in southeastern Saskatchewan and parts of western Manitoba on Friday morning, with precipitation expected to continue throughout the day and into the evening before gradually diminishing overnight. Notably, a prior overland flood warning had been issued for sections of western Manitoba at the conclusion of June.

Numerous communities in western Manitoba faced severe storms and flooding earlier this year, with Parkland areas like Dauphin, Minitonas, and Swan River being particularly impacted. Several municipalities declared local states of emergency in response to the flooding and storm incidents. In Winnipeg, Environment Canada’s forecast for Friday afternoon indicated periods of rain beginning around midnight on Saturday and persisting through the morning.

The situation remains dynamic, with authorities monitoring the weather closely as residents and communities brace for potential impacts from the ongoing heavy rainfall.