News - Flooding

As Manitobans wait for the arrival of floodwaters this spring, the province is in a high state of readiness with its people, planning and positioning of more flood-fighting tools, Infrastructure and Transportation Minister Steve Ashton, minister responsible for emergency measures, announced.

Manitoba Water Stewardship’s Hydrologic Forecast Centre has evaluated conditions in the province and an updated spring flood outlook indicates that mild weather is resulting in a slow, steady melt about two weeks earlier than normal.

Manitoba Water Stewardship’s first spring flood outlook for 2010 calls for significant flooding on the Red River in southern Manitoba, with average weather from now through spring, but anticipated levels would be 0.3 to 0.9 metres (one to three feet) lower than last year.

Manitoba Water Stewardship indicates that heavy rain last night has produced some flash flooding in areas southwest of Morden.

The unusual circumstances of the flood of 2009 have provided the opportunity to improve flood protection, refine flood forecasting and operation of flood-control works, enhance ice management methods and further strengthen emergency management, Water Stewardship Minister Christine Melnick said.

Up to $40 million will be made available for a Disaster Financial Assistance (DFA) Program for areas affected by spring flooding, Intergovernmental Affairs Minister Steve Ashton, minister responsible for the Manitoba Emergency Measures Organization (EMO), announced.

Manitoba Water Stewardship advises that rain over the weekend ranged from 75 to 110 millimetres (2.9 to 4.3 inches) in most areas from the Red River east to the Ontario boundary.

Manitoba Water Stewardship has issued a flood advisory for southeast Manitoba.

Manitoba Water Stewardship has issued a high water watch for southeastern Manitoba due to a forecasted weekend rainstorm.

The current weather system has produced 20 to 30 centimetres (7.8 to 11.8 inches) of wet snow from Roblin through the Dauphin and Fisher Branch areas.