Stay informed with the LNN Daily Newsletter

Mother Nature – Always Ready to Make a Statement

Jul 14, 2016 | 12:21 AM

LETHBRIDGE:   Just ten days ago, Alberta was coming off a long weekend that included large hail and two confirmed tornados. Environment Canada reminded us that it was just the beginning.

“The peak of severe summer weather throughout Alberta is the month of July,” explained Meteorologist Kirk Torneby. “If you look at the statistics back over a number of years, on average one of every three days is a summer severe weather day, a thunderstorm of some type, severe in nature, either heavy rain, hail or tornado.”

Alberta usually has about 15 tornados a year, compared to roughly 300,000 lightning strikes.

Wednesday night brought no tornado but, there was lightning and thunder – and rain.  However, the torrent of rain around 7:00 p.m. that flooded some areas of the city barely touched other sections.

Doug Kaupp, Water & Wastewater Manager for the City of Lethbridge, said that some residents may have noticed more flooding than others in the city because of that particular area’s ability to deal with heavy rains.

“Especially in the newer developments, we see that the water has somewhere to gowhether it is dry ponds or water running down the street to the river. In the older parts of the city, it is more of a challenge because of the old standards of the day.”

The worst impact was felt in some areas of the west side, Scenic Drive, including the Sugar Bowl (reminder here: the Sugar Bowl is a storm pond and is designed to handle over street flooding) and streets around Henderson Lake became their own lakes, leaving vehicles submerged.

There was also the usual number of flood intersections, including 6th Avenue and 6th Street and 15th Avenue at 17th street.

The City of Lethbridge ‘tweeted’ out that they had received many reports of storm drains being overwhelmed and that Public Operations staff were responding to each report.  It’s a reminder that residents should check the storm drains on their streets whenever rain is expected.  Take the time to clear away piled up debris and call City Operations if there seems to be a problem.

Kaupp blames the force of the short storm.

“The rain was quite intense, we had 20 millimetres in half an hour which is a lot of of water in a short period of time and the underground stormwater system can only handle so much.”

Kaupp also advised residents to take preventative flood measures for their home.

“The best thing you can do to protect your home is to have your downspouts extended away from your house. Your yard should be graded in such a way that the water doesn’t come towards the foundation of your house and you should also test your sump pump to ensure that it is in working order.”