Storm Turns Edmonton’s Whitemud Drive Into a Lake, Trapping Vehicles
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A powerful overnight thunderstorm turned sections of Edmonton’s Whitemud Drive into what appeared to be a large lake, after heavy rainfall overwhelmed drainage systems and left vehicles stranded in deep floodwater.
Emergency crews were called to assist people trapped near the median beneath the 170 Street overpass, while several motorists were forced to turn around as sections of the roadway and nearby ramps became impassable.
According to local reports, three vehicles became stranded near the eastbound exit to 170 Street, where water collected in a low-lying section of the roadway and reached an estimated depth of about two feet, or roughly 60 centimetres.
Water was also seen surging from storm drains along the roadway, highlighting the intensity of the rainfall and the pressure placed on Edmonton’s drainage infrastructure.
Edmonton police announced the full closure of Whitemud Drive between 156 Street and 178 Street at approximately 10:30 p.m. on Saturday, July 25, 2026. Drivers were urged to avoid unnecessary travel because of widespread flooding and standing water on several major routes.
The storm also affected portions of Yellowhead Trail, Jasper Avenue, Groat Road and Connors Road, while Edmonton Transit Service reported delays across the city due to severe weather conditions.
Environment and Climate Change Canada had issued a severe thunderstorm warning, cautioning that torrential rainfall could trigger flash flooding and sharply reduce visibility.
Officials also warned drivers not to enter flooded roads, even when the water appeared shallow, because its depth and strength could be difficult to judge and the roadway beneath it might be damaged.
