Earlier this year, the city of Swift Current received over 70mm of rain in less than a day's time and as a result, saw a number of flash floods throughout the city. On July 9th in Estevan, we received 75.3mm, and only two streets, 4th and 5th, had minor floods that traffic was asked to keep away from. Besides that, the damages were very minor.

"The drainage system did work very well. We're fortunate in Estevan to have that valley system on the west side of the city to take away that fast-moving stormwater," says City Roads and Drainage Manager Norm Mack. "Then on the east side, we have the Shirley Creek project which was constructed in the 90s. So between the two drainage systems, it really empties our city out quick."

The city had barricades out at a number of other places to keep traffic away from sending wakes into businesses and as a result, no damages have been reported to the city as of yet, but there were some alarms set off throughout the day when it comes to the police.

"It's not so much blockages (that caused the minor street floods), it's just when your pipes fill up to capacity. The water just has to take it's turn getting through the pipes and into the valley and into the river."

There were a few damages thanks to the storm in other ways, however. There were some gravel roads that were washed out in some areas because the water had run overtop, and the graders were out to move some of the gravel back into place.

There was also a lightning strike that fried some circuits on some of the lights at 4th street and Kensington Avenue, and the city worked quickly to get those repaired, but they only have a temporary fix in place. Expect to see some construction in that area next week when the proper parts arrive.