The Red River Floodway is pictured on Thursday, April 7, 2022. (CHRISD.CA FILE)
WINNIPEG — Flood forecasters in Manitoba are tracking a weather system that could bring a rain and snow mix of upwards of 30 centimetres of snow later this week.
Manitoba Transportation and Infrastructure’s Hydrologic Forecast Centre says the system could also produce up to 50 millimetres of rain in central and southern Manitoba.
While the exact location, amount and timing of the precipitation are still being determined by weather models, forecasters agree that portions of the Red, Souris, Pembina and Roseau river basins, could receive 40 to 50 mm of precipitation with localized areas receiving up to 80 mm by April 24.
“This new system comes on top of a significant precipitation event that impacted much of Manitoba’s southern and central basins last week,” the province said in a release.
The added precipitation could also trigger the Red River Floodway to be reactivated as early as May 1.
Fisaha Unduche, executive director of hydrologic forecasting and water management for Manitoba, said if the precipitation comes this weekend as it’s currently predicted, it will make April the second-wettest month for the Red River Valley since 1950.
He said there is a moderate-to-major flood risk for the Red River. There is a moderate flood risk for other Manitoba water basins and eastern regions. There is a low risk for flooding in northern Manitoba basins and lakes.
Watch Wednesday’s news conference:
— With files from The Canadian Press
