Downpour leaves streets flooded in Saskatoon

Heavy rain caused havoc in Saskatoon Monday afternoon, with some streets flooded.

The downpour caused flooding, at least temporarily, along Broadway and other sections of the city.

"A few of the drains are currently clogged and that's affecting the road," said Bryan Ross, who was checking out the storm along Broadway Avenue Monday afternoon.

"It's a couple of feet [deep]," Ross said. "I would think it's a safety hazard to people and traffic issues as well."

Saskatoon police said they fielded numerous calls about flooding at Lorne Avenue and Exhibition Grounds Road, northbound lanes on Circle Drive near the Taylor Street overpass, the overpass at Circle Drive and Idylwyld, and several locations near Louise Street and Preston Drive.

Southbound traffic restrictions were in place for the right-hand lane on Sid Buckwold Bridge, as city crews have been called out for road repairs, police said.

Terri Lang, a meteorologist for Environment and Climate Change Canada, said some areas of the city were hit much harder than others.

"The airport has reported less than a millimetre of rain," Lang said. "And we've had reports in the south of the city of 50 to 60 millimetres of rain in probably two hours."

Lang said the storm stayed stationary over the same area.

"That's why other parts of the city saw nothing and they couldn't understand why there are reports of flooding in other parts."

Lang said to expect more showers and thundershowers on Tuesday before the sunshine returns on Wednesday.

City of Saskatoon general manager of utilities and environment Angela Gardiner said the heaviest rain fell on the southeast and north end areas of the city.

"City crews will be working throughout the evening and overnight to address [any flood-related issues]," said Gardiner, adding the city is aware of flooding on Circle Drive between College and Taylor Street, Preston Avenue South and McEwen Avenue.

"Barricades are in place at some of these intersections, but we do ask that you avoid the areas altogether," she said.

"Anyone encountering flooding on a street should take an alternate route, as deep water can damage vehicles."

The Saskatoon Field House and Lions Arena both closed due to flooding. Lawson Civic Center will close at 7 p.m. CST due to water issues.

All of the facilities should reopen Tuesday morning.

The flooding has caused the cancellation of the Rock Your Roots Walk for Reconciliation, which was planned for Tuesday as part of National Indigenous Peoples Day.

An afternoon event hosted by the Saskatoon Indian & Métis Friendship Centre will still go ahead.

Anyone who sees stranded vehicles, missing manhole covers, or flooding on streets or underpasses is asked to report it to the city at 306-975-2476.

The flooding may also have impacted Saskatoon transit routes, so check the transit app for up to date information before heading out.