Due to high winds and heavy rains, numerous communities are starting evacuations. Specific evacuations and duration will change as the storm moves through different areas.
Affected communities include the Sioux Valley First Nation due to overland flooding, and Ochre River and Alonsa due to waves and lake levels. In addition:
• The RM of St. Laurent has issued mandatory evacuation orders for 80 properties, of which approximately 20 are permanent residences.
• The RM of Woodlands has issued mandatory evacuation orders for 68 properties, of which approximately 10 are permanent residences.
• Mandatory evacuation notices have also been issued for residences in the Delta Beach area by the RM of Portage la Prairie.
• Evacuees are asked to register by telephone with the Red Cross at 1-888-662-3211.
Overland flooding is also affecting areas in the city of Brandon.
There are also evacuation notices in several beach communities. Residents and cottagers are advised to move belongings to higher ground or to alternative sites.
Wind warnings continue for Lake Manitoba, Lake Winnipeg and Lake Winnipegosis. Other lakes that are forecast to experience high winds include the Shoal Lakes, Dauphin, Oak, Pelican and Rock lakes, and other lakes across Manitoba.
Municipalities and residents are advised to prepare for wind-affected lake levels and significant wave action along shorelines.
An unstable weather system has resulted in rain over many parts of Manitoba.
Flood Forecast
Based on recent rainfall information, forecasters estimate the impact of this storm will be most pronounced on the Souris and Assiniboine rivers. There will be water level rises at most locations along the Souris River. These rises will be more pronounced at the downstream end of the Souris River by the towns of Souris and Wawanesa. The Souris River tributaries are predicted to reach another crest, but be below peaks reached earlier in the year. Due to heavy rains, water levels are increasing on the main Assiniboine River stem and on smaller tributaries of the Assiniboine River. Forecasters’ preliminary estimates are that water levels on the Assiniboine River at the First Street Bridge in Brandon could increase to between 1,180 and 1,180.5 feet during the second week of June. This morning Brandon was at 1,177.26 ft. This forecast will be updated as the storm evolves.
Lakes
Manitoba Water Stewardship’s flood forecasting website has information on forecast peak water levels for Lake Pineimuta, Lake Manitoba, Lake St. Martin and Dauphin Lake, as well as wave uprush illustrations and other flood information.
Lake levels at Oak and Plum lakes are high and continue to contribute high flows to Plum Creek.
Assiniboine River
Shellmouth reservoir outflows will be increased to 7,000 cubic feet per second (cfs) to bring the reservoir water level below spillway elevation and restore the dam’s ability to store run-off and provide a buffer for future precipitation.
Water levels on the Shellmouth Reservoir are 1,411.31 ft., decreasing 0.11 ft. since yesterday. Inflow into the Shellmouth Reservoir is 5,365 cfs and outflow is 6,180 cfs today.
Water levels on the Assiniboine River at the First Street Bridge in Brandon are 1,177.26 ft., decreasing 0.08 ft. since yesterday. Flows at the First Street Bridge in Brandon are estimated to be 18,300 cfs.
Inflow upstream of Portage la Prairie is 33,410 cfs. Flows in the Portage Diversion channel are 15,140 cfs. Flows on the Assiniboine River at the Portage Reservoir control gates are 18,000 cfs
Water levels in the Baie St. Paul area are 799.92 ft., an increase of 0.05 ft. since yesterday.
Souris River
Water levels on Plum Creek are unchanged at 1,375.39 ft. today.
Water levels on the Souris River at Wawanesa are 1,154.89 ft. today, with an estimated flow of 14,000 cfs.
For more information, please see www.manitoba.ca/flooding and find the most up-to-date highway information at www.gov.mb.ca/mit/roadinfo or 1-877-MBRoads (1-877-627-6237) and on Twitter by following @MBGov.
