Flash flooding hit multiple Saskatoon neighbourhoods Sunday after storm drains failed to handle heavy rainfall.
Environment and Climate Change Canada measured 22.9 millimetres of rain at Diefenbaker Airport. Volunteer weather observers reported up to 39.1 millimetres within the city. Forest Grove, Greystone Heights and Varsity View saw significant street flooding.
Water on Spruce Drive in Forest Grove reached knee-deep levels. Residents watched garbage containers and a basketball hoop float down the street. Some basements in the Sutherland neighbourhood filled with water.
Power outages struck the Holliston, Haultain, Forest Grove and Erindale neighbourhoods. The city said fallen trees and tree limbs on power lines caused the outages. Outdoor pools closed early due to weather.
The city installed new storm drains at problem intersections in recent years. The weekend deluge overwhelmed even upgraded drainage systems.
Tornado warnings followed the rainstorms. One report indicated a land spout tornado touched down near Saskatoon Sunday.
Other Saskatchewan communities also experienced extreme weather. Areas near Swift Current received more than 50 millimetres of rain Saturday.
