Severe thunderstorm hammers Edmonton causing flooding, road closures

A powerful Saturday evening thunderstorm flooded several city streets and intersections, resulting in numerous road closures and a high volume of calls to police.

According to Environment Canada's Edmonton Blatchford reporting station, the storm dumped a total of 29.9 mm of rain between 9 p.m. and 11 p.m..

There are currently two road closures due to the storm at the onramp at 178 Street and Whitemud Drive westbound; and Groat Road northbound from the Rivery Valley Road interchange to 107 Avenue.

The City of Edmonton is also warning drivers to avoid several areas due to flooding such as Connors Road under the 98 Avenue Bridge; and 127 Avenue under the CN bridge and 107 Avenue under the Groat Road bridge.

Yesterday evening, the city warned there were several flooding locations on the Yellowhead Trail and Whitemud Drive. Just before 11 p.m., the Edmonton Police Service said they were experiencing an "exceptionally high volume of 911 calls" impacting response and wait times.

Fallen tree branches were also seen in a neighbourhood on 111 Street and 103 Avenue on Sunday morning.

The storm also forced KDays to close for the evening. Guests who were unable to leave the grounds during the storm were able to shelter in place inside the Edmonton Expo Centre.

Videos posted to social media show thousands of people attending the Post Malone concert at Commonwealth Stadium fleeing their seats due to the storm and sheltering inside the stadium concourse. The concert was abruptly cancelled.

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