Regina residents had a busy commute Friday morning as thunderstorms overnight brought heavy rain and localized flooding to parts of the city.
Overpasses across the city were flooded, with City of Regina crews working on drainage.
According to a Facebook post from the City of Regina, the Albert Street and Broad Street underpasses were both flooded with drivers advised to take alternative routes.
According to Tyler McMurchy with SGI, there have been 99 auto claims within the last week.
“There are locations in Regina that are more prone to flooding when we do see the occasional heavy rainfall so as motorists, we all want to avoid having to file a claim with your insurance company. So if you can avoid being in that situation, I think that’s the best possible outcome,” McMurchy said.
Delays have been reported across the city, including on Ring Road where water slowly drains away.
A tweet from the Combined Traffic Services Saskatchewan said vehicles that were driven into the flood waters have been towed out.
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In a statement from Regina Police, they said they don’t have an exact number on calls for help, but there have been many related to the storm.
“The calls ranged from those sharing details of flooded underpasses and streets (there were many), to assisting in locating the owners of abandoned vehicles,” Police said.
“We also assisted in blocking off flooded areas to discourage drivers from going through. With summer storm season upon us, we would like to remind drivers to avoid flooded streets and to obey barricades and signage.”
The City of Regina is also advising drivers to avoid any flooded roads, as water depths and what lies underneath can be unpredictable.
The City of Regina said the city’s drainage system can get backed up, but most can when faced with extremely heavy rainfall.
“The city has invested in our wastewater and storm water system and will continue to do so to reduce the risk of flooding,” said Kurtis Doney, the City of Regina acting director of citizen services.
“Detention ponds have worked as designed and are storing the storm water until the system allows it to proceed.”
In the meantime, residents can help prevent flooding around their own properties.
“With over 22,000 storm drains the city is working hard to prepare for the next storm we strongly encourage residents to go out onto the street if it’s safe to do so and clear your own storm drain to help yourself and your neighbours,” Doney said.
Regina residents could expect more heavy rain heading into Friday evening. According to Environment Canada, the chance of thunderstorms is expected from noon to midnight.
More to come…
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