Deep Sinkhole Opens in North Edmonton After Weekend Thunderstorms

City crews in Edmonton are working to repair roads and public infrastructure after a weekend of severe thunderstorms brought heavy rain, strong winds, hail, flooding and widespread damage across the city.

One of the most serious impacts was a deep sinkhole that opened in north Edmonton after the stormwater system was pushed beyond capacity.

Severe Storms Hit Edmonton Over the Weekend

The first major storm moved through west and north Edmonton on Friday evening, bringing damaging winds, heavy rainfall and hail that reached up to quarter size.

A second, larger storm system arrived from the west on Saturday afternoon. Environment Canada said the system was capable of producing a tornado, and the conditions were so intense that some drivers sought shelter under freeway overpasses.

Heavy Rain Causes Flooding and Damage

The storms knocked down trees, damaged buildings and flooded streets, underpasses and low-lying areas.

Several city facilities were also affected by flooding, including recreation centres and TELUS World of Science Edmonton, which had to close because of storm damage.

Deep Sinkhole Opens in Lauderdale

After the water drained, a large sinkhole appeared near 130 Avenue and 107 Street in the north Edmonton neighbourhood of Lauderdale.

EPCOR said crews responded Saturday after receiving reports of roadway damage. The area was blocked off while workers stabilized the road and began repairs.

Sinkhole Measures About 35 Feet Deep

Workers at the site said the hole was roughly 12 feet by 12 feet wide and about 35 feet deep, or more than 10 metres.

That depth is comparable to the height of a three-storey building.

EPCOR Says Drainage System Was Overloaded

EPCOR said Edmonton’s drainage system is designed to handle significant rainfall, but extremely intense rain over a short period can temporarily exceed the system’s capacity.

The utility said repeated storms and already saturated ground conditions added to the pressure on the wastewater and drainage network.

Lauderdale Flood-Mitigation Work Was Separate

Flood-mitigation upgrades have been underway in Lauderdale for several years.

The city completed sewer and drainage improvements in the area last fall, but EPCOR said the sinkhole repair site is separate from those upgrades and is likely linked to the weekend storms.

Road Closures and Traffic Impacts

Several roads affected by flooding and storm damage have since reopened, including sections of Whitemud Drive, Yellowhead Trail, 111 Avenue and 118 Avenue.

However, some closures or restrictions remain in place. The road and sidewalk at 130 Avenue and 107 Street remain closed, the 178 Street off-ramp to Whitemud Drive is reduced to one lane, and the sidewalk near Stony Plain Road and 154 Street remains closed because of Valley Line West LRT-related impacts.

Traffic Signal Repairs Continue

Temporary repairs have been completed at 83 Avenue and 104 Street, where a traffic signal pole was knocked down.

Permanent repairs are still underway.

Recreation Facilities Reopen After Storm Damage

Several city facilities have reopened, including Commonwealth Community Recreation Centre, Central Lions Recreation Centre, St. Francis Xavier Sports Centre, Heritage Amphitheatre, The Orange Hub, The Citadel Theatre and city golf courses.

The aquatic centre at Commonwealth remains closed for planned maintenance.

Some Facilities Remain Closed

Other facilities remain closed or partially closed because of storm-related damage.

The Peter Hemingway Aquatic Centre at Coronation Park Sports and Recreation Centre remains closed, though the rest of the facility is open. Grand Trunk Fitness and Leisure Centre is open, but its main pool remains closed. TELUS World of Science Edmonton and all North Saskatchewan River boat launches remain closed until further notice.

Fire Rescue Responds to Record Call Volume

The City of Edmonton said Edmonton Fire Rescue Services handled a record-high number of calls during and after the storms.

City crews are continuing to clear fallen trees and branches from roads, pathways and trails, while private arborists are also busy removing storm-damaged trees from yards and private properties.

Eco Station Hours Extended for Storm Cleanup

To help residents dispose of storm-related debris, Edmonton is extending Eco Station operating hours from July 14 to July 28.

For those two weeks, Eco Stations will be open daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. The Edmonton Waste Management Centre will operate from 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. on weekdays and 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekends.

Tree and Branch Debris Drop-Off Available

Residents can also take storm-damaged tree and branch debris to designated areas at Community Recycling Depots.

The extended hours are meant to help with the large cleanup effort following the weekend storms.

Edmonton is still recovering after severe weekend thunderstorms caused flooding, road damage, facility closures, downed trees and a major sinkhole in Lauderdale. While several roads and recreation centres have reopened, repairs continue in affected areas, and some facilities remain closed.

With cleanup underway and Eco Station hours extended, residents are being encouraged to stay cautious around damaged areas and use city services to dispose of storm debris safely.