The Province of Manitoba has released the 2017 January Conditions Report, which predicts a moderate to major overland flood this spring.

With well-above normal soil moisture and winter precipitation, combined with future weather conditions, the Province is predicting moderate to major overland flooding across Manitoba.

The risk differs by area. At this time:

  • the Red, Souris, Pembina, Lower Assiniboine and Roseau rivers as well as the southwest region of the province are currently at risk for major flooding
  • the Upper Assiniboine River, eastern region, Winnipeg River, northern Manitoba and The Pas including the Saskatchewan, Carrot and Swan rivers are at risk for moderate to major flooding
  • the Interlake region and the Fisher River are at risk for moderate flooding

"We have experienced some unusal winter weather to this point that has contributed to an expanded risk of overland flooding in Manitoba," Infrastructure Minister Blaine Pedersen said in a release. "At this time, we need to be aware of the potential for flooding with the understanding that we hav ea couple more months of winter weather and the uncertainty of the spring melt rate."

The Manitoba government is working together with the municipalities to prepare for spring flooding. The first full flood outlook is expected to be released at the end of February.

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