Extremely heavy rain is on the way. Environment Canada has issued a rainfall warning for the Grande Prairie – Beaverlodge – Valleyview region, saying very heavy rain is likely in west-central Alberta lasting today through Sunday morning.
There are two rounds of heavy rain in the forecast, expected to shower 70 to 90 millimetres of rain by Sunday morning. More than 125 millimetres is possible along higher terrain near Grande Prairie.
Environment Canada says the City of Grande Prairie itself will see up to 100 millimetres of rain by Sunday night. Just how much falls will depend on thunderstorms. Light rain is also expected to continue until Monday night.
“Heavy downpours are likely to cause flash floods and water pooling on roads,” the government says. “Fast-moving water across a road can sweep a vehicle away. Rapidly rising rivers and creeks can sweep away bridges, culverts, buildings, and people.”
“Don’t approach washouts near rivers, creeks and culverts,” it adds. “Campers should move away from low-lying areas. Those in low-lying areas or valleys should be prepared to move to higher terrain in advance of rapidly rising water.”
Rain in Grande Prairie is expected to start around 2 p.m. Thursday with a risk of thunderstorms. The heavy rain should come around 6 p.m.