Saskatchewan not in the clear despite improving conditions

Thursday, July 14, 2016, 11:44 AM - Flooding rains have accompanied severe thunderstorms across the Prairies this week prompting local states of emergency across Saskatchewan.

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The towns of Carrot River, Sask., Arborfield, the rural municipality of Arborfield and Shoal Lake First Nation have all been impacted by heavy rain and flooding.

Approximately 100 mm of rain fell in two hours in the northeastern community of Carrot River on Tuesday, while Estevan picked up 130 mm of rain in less than three hours last Sunday, where a state of emergency was declared as well.

Estevan's mayor Roy Ludwig lifted the local state of emergency early Wednesday afternoon, but the city will continue to provide many services to residents throughout the rest of the week. 

A flood relief centre that has been set up at the Civic Auditorium (811 Souris Avenue), will remain open to residents in Estevan from 10am - 7pm for the remainder of the week.

"The Red Cross will distribute cleanup kits and public health information packages," the city said in a statement on Wednesday.

The Town of Arborfield partially lifted their mandatory evacuation order as some flood conditions improved Wednesday and by Thursday morning, the order was completely lifted. 

"The Town of Arborfield has now fully lifted the Mandatory Evacuation order. All residents in the Town of Arborfield are now allowed to return to their homes," officials said in a statement Thursday morning.

Weather conditions have improved across the province, but officials warn that additional rain could create additional issues. Especially because the ground is already so saturated.

"An upper low that's currently situated over B.C. will spread rain into southern Alberta and eventually Saskatchewan through the weekend," says Weather Network meteorologist Kelly Sonnenburg. "Some thunderstorms and rain showers are possible across Saskatchewan with this system, although not nearly as heavy or widespread as the region has seen this week."