The Manitoba Transportation and Infrastructure (MTI) Hydrologic Forecast Centre reports that the Red River Floodway requires reactivation to manage water levels in the city of Winnipeg as a major precipitation system continues to impact parts of southern Manitoba.

An overland flood warning has been issued for southern Manitoba from the Saskatchewan border eastward to Provincial Trunk Highway (PTH) 12 and from the United States border northwards to PTH 1, extending north of PTH 1 between PTH 5 and PTH 16, and north of PTH 1 between Portage la Prairie and Winnipeg.

By mid-afternoon on Saturday, April 23, water was running over the gravel road of Park Road east of Old Tom Road on the outskirts of Steinbach. More rain and snow is expected for Sunday.

Most central and southern Manitoba basins had already received up to 40 mm of precipitation by noon on Saturday and an additional 30 to 50 mm is expected before Monday. Some localized areas could receive up to 80 mm of precipitation by midday April 25. Rain could turn to snow on Sunday, accompanied by strong winds gusting up to 70 kilometres per hour.

Water levels on most tributaries in the Red River basin and along the Red River main stem are rising quickly in response to the rainfall and will continue to rise over the coming days. Daily average temperatures are forecast to drop below zero early next week, which will slow down the melting of the remaining snow.

Water is filling the ditch along Park Road East, at A.D. Penner Park in Steinbach.

Some ditches and waterways are still ice covered or contain snow limiting water flows. As high amounts of rainfall occurring in a short period may cause overland flooding, citizens are advised of the potential for the sudden rise of water levels in these areas.

Overland flooding occurs when water on the ground surface does not have sufficient time to flow into rivers and streams, potentially causing flooding of low-lying areas, roads and properties. In most cases, once the water enters the rivers and streams, they have sufficient capacity to handle the flows.

Flood forecasters will continue to monitor precipitation amounts and assess its impacts on flows and levels.

The Manitoba Emergency Measures Organization continues to work with all local authorities and emergency management partners to provide guidance and support for both preparatory and response activities.

Park Road, just east of Old Tom Road, has water flowing over the gravel.

MTI continues to monitor highway conditions and heavy equipment may be deployed in the event of snow accumulation.

Motorists are reminded to adjust driving habits for winter road conditions and remain alert when following or approaching oncoming highway snowplows.

All equipment has flashing blue warning lights and drivers should stay well back of all equipment.

Do not attempt to pass snowplows from behind when they are in operation and remember to slow down when passing approaching snowplows.