Rainfall warnings lifted in Alberta

CALGARY (CP) — Environment Canada ended all heavy rainfall warnings in Alberta on Wednesday as the weather system moved east into Saskatchewan, but the city of Calgary said its state of local emergency would remain in effect.

The weather agency said areas in Saskatchewan — including Buffalo Narrows, La Ronge and Meadow Lake — could expect between 50 and 70 millimetres of rain before the end of Wednesday. There was also a wind warning for gusts up to 90 km/h in southeastern Alberta and southwestern Saskatchewan.

Preparations for potential flooding were underway in Calgary and other communities, including High River and Red Deer, as rivers swelled and before the rain warnings ended.

Alberta Environment said a cold low front brought heavy precipitation to much of central and southern Alberta since Sunday.

“Widespread areas of Alberta received up to 30 millimetres of rain,” said Lisa Jackson, executive director of Alberta Enviroment’s emergency management branch.

“Heavier amounts were observed west of Calgary and south to Pincher Creek and, in these areas of heavier rain, 80 to 100 millimetres was observed.”

Another five to 20 millimetres was still expected Wednesday, she added.

Jackson said no major flooding had been reported and most rivers flowing out of the foothills had peaked or were peaking soon.

Calgary said in a statement earlier in the day that it had received less precipitation than expected. It added that the Elbow River had reached its peak flow and the Bow River was expected to crest in the afternoon.

“We want to remind Calgarians to stay off the river and continue to exercise caution while the state of local emergency is in place,” Sue Henry, chief of the Calgary Emergency Management Agency, said in the statement.

“The flood resiliency planning and mitigations undertaken since 2013 have continued to support our response to this weather event.”

The city closed several parks along the Bow River as a precaution. Henry said they would remain closed until further notice.

Officials also closed Memorial Drive, a major east-west roadway along the river.