Severe Weather Impacts Edmonton
A powerful thunderstorm swept through Edmonton on Saturday evening, leading to significant flooding, numerous road closures, and power outages across the city. The storm, characterized by intense winds and heavy rain, began around 9 p.m. and continued for several hours, prompting a high volume of emergency calls.
Between 9 p.m. and 10 p.m., the Blatchford area in central Edmonton recorded nearly 30 millimetres of rain, according to Environment and Climate Change Canada. Wind speeds during this hour averaged close to 40 km/h, with a maximum recorded speed of 84 km/h. Another report from Environment Canada’s Edmonton Blatchford reporting station indicated a total of 29.9 mm of rain fell between 9 p.m. and 11 p.m.
The severe weather caused localized flooding, downed trees, and power outages at intersections. City crews were deployed to address the damage, working to reopen roads, clear debris, and remove standing water. Residents were advised to exercise caution while driving or to use public transit options.
Road Closures and Service Disruptions
The storm resulted in temporary road closures throughout Edmonton. While some major roadways, including sections of Yellowhead Trail and Whitemud Drive, were reopened by Sunday morning, many others remained closed as crews continued their work. Groat Road was fully open in the northbound direction, and Connors Road was open southbound, though other lanes were still affected.
Specific areas experiencing closures due to flooding included the onramp at 178 Street and Whitemud Drive westbound, and Groat Road northbound from the River Valley Road interchange to 107 Avenue. Drivers were also warned to avoid areas such as Connors Road under the 98 Avenue Bridge, and 127 Avenue under the CN bridge, as well as 107 Avenue under the Groat Road bridge.
Epcor reported that as of Sunday afternoon, 20 areas were experiencing power outages. The utility company stated that its system was generally performing well despite the storm’s intensity, noting that extreme and prolonged rainfall can challenge or temporarily exceed capacity in localized areas. Epcor deployed additional crews and equipment to monitor infrastructure and support emergency response efforts.
Edmonton Transit Services reported city-wide delays on Sunday morning due to the road closures and flooding. Furthermore, the storm forced the closure of KDays for the evening, with attendees sheltering inside the Edmonton Expo Centre. A concert featuring Post Malone at Commonwealth Stadium was also cancelled, leading thousands to seek shelter in the stadium concourse.
Community Response and Safety Advisories
The City of Edmonton urged residents to report any ongoing service impacts or issues directly to 311. Epcor also issued several safety advisories for Edmontonians. These included avoiding flooded roadways and staying clear of underpasses during heavy rain events, and mapping out alternate routes or delaying travel when severe weather alerts are issued.
Residents were also advised to maintain a safe distance of at least 10 metres from downed power lines and to keep away from stormwater ponds, as fluctuating water levels can create unstable shorelines. Additionally, homeowners were encouraged to check their sump pumps and ensure eavestroughs were directed away from their foundations to mitigate potential water damage.
A tow truck driver described helping several individuals whose vehicles were caught in thigh-deep water on Saturday night. He noted that he had been called to the overpass near Whitemud and 159 Street multiple times this year, remarking that it was his first year witnessing such a significant amount of rain.
City crews continue to work on reopening roads, clearing trees and debris, assessing damage, and clearing water following the severe thunderstorm.
Source: calgary.citynews.ca
