Days of rain as potent storm parks over the Prairies, risk of 100 mm

Get ready for several days of heavy rain and gusty winds that may lead to localized flooding, isolated power outages, and slow travel across parts of the Prairies this week.

That's as a stubborn and strong low-pressure system meanders near the international border bringing persistent rains to the region. In some of the harder-hit areas, including eastern Alberta and southwestern Saskatchewan, there's a risk for 50-100 mm to fall through Wednesday.

Winds between 50-70 km/h threaten parts of the region, though won't be as widespread of a risk. Regardless, residents are urged to plan ahead, and keep devices charged in case of some localized outages.

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Monday sees the start of formidable storm

An upper-level disturbance will spin up a low-pressure system over Montana to start the week.

This storm will strengthen as it approaches the southern Prairies. Forecasters expect the storm to meander over Montana, North Dakota, and Saskatchewan through early Wednesday.

It’s going to be a formidable low-pressure system for this time of year. Its minimum central pressure could easily drop below 980 millibars, which could set records for the lowest pressure ever recorded in this region during the month of May.

This storm’s strength and slow forward motion will combine to produce multiple days of heavy rain and gusty winds throughout the region.

Heaviest rain arrives Tuesday, lingers into Wednesday

We’ll see scattered rain push into southern portions of Alberta and Saskatchewan through Monday, with more persistent rain covering the region by the evening hours.

Rain will start pushing into southern Manitoba through the overnight hours Monday and into early Tuesday, though barely reaching Winnipeg where only a couple of millimetres will fall.

Widespread soaking rains will blanket the southern half of the Prairies through the day Tuesday, with the event’s heaviest rainfall rates affecting portions of eastern Alberta and western Saskatchewan.

Fortunately for farmers, the heaviest rain will fall over the western grasslands, likely avoiding a tough situation as we approach planting season east of Regina.

Persistent heavy rainfall could lead to flooding issues in vulnerable areas. Remember, never try to drive across a flooded roadway. It’s impossible to tell how deep the water is until it’s too late.

Wind gusts of 50-70 km/h could accompany the heavy rainfall at times. The combination of gusty winds and rain-soaked soil could lead to isolated power outages.

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Rain will continue into Wednesday as the system finally wraps up its tour of the southern Prairies. Folks across southern Manitoba will see precipitation taper to scattered showers by Wednesday morning, with the rain finally easing for Alberta and Saskatchewan into Wednesday night.

All told, widespread rainfall totals of 30-50 mm are in the forecast throughout the southern half of the Prairies. Locally higher totals of 50-100 mm are possible in southeastern Alberta and southwestern Saskatchewan.

"Torrential rains can cause flash flooding and accumulation of water on roads," says Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) in the rainfall warning issued for parts of Alberta. "Flooding is possible in places in the lowlands. Be aware of areas of sagging ground near rivers, streams and culverts."

Stay with The Weather Network for your latest forecast across the Prairies.

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