Regina flooding: city reeling from weekend of rain

After what was likely the wettest day of the year on Sunday, Regina was struggling with wet basements, flooded underpasses and an overloaded sewer system.

The same weather systems that hammered southeast Saskatchewan with rain on the weekend also hit Regina hard.

More than 90 millimetres fell on the weekend, including about 80 mm on Sunday.

Kayaks deployed on water-filled streets

Many storm sewers were temporarily backed up, leaving streets flooded.

Some streets were filled with knee-deep water. Some people used kayaks to get around flooded streets near the General Hospital and in Regina's Cathedral neighbourhood.

The Regina fire department warned motorists to be careful going through puddles, because in some cases the manhole covers had popped out.

Several vehicles were stranded when the underpass at Albert St. and Saskatchewan filled with water early Sunday afternoon. One man was seen struggling to get out of his car in shoulder-deep water. No one was hurt.

Cut down on showers, city asks

The city said the sanitary sewer system was also under pressure. It was asking the public Sunday night to avoid baths and showers and to avoid flushing toilets unless necessary.

The Mario family in Regina was among hundreds dealing with flooded basements.

Some Canada Day events set for Tuesday have been cancelled due to the weather, but the city said many events, including a fireworks show, will go ahead as planned.

Despite the relentless rain, close to 20,000 people turned out to watch the Saskatchewan Roughriders regular season opener against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, a rematch of last season's Grey Cup game.

The Riders powered to a 31-10 victory, but fans leaving Mosaic Stadium had to navigate their way around deep puddles to get to their vehicles. 

Water back on at U of R

On Sunday, the University of Regina shut off water to most buildings on its main campus and said people should stay away until further notice. On Monday, the water was back on and classes continued as per normal, the university said.

Rain continued to fall on Regina Monday morning. It's expected to taper off Tuesday.