Destroyed houses in the Timberlea neighbourhood are seen in Fort McMurray, Alberta.Topher Seguin/Reuters
After weeks of worrying about a massive wildfire and smoke, people in the Fort McMurray area have a new concern — rain.
Environment Canada has issued a warning of heavy rain in the region and possible flash floods.
The warning says up to 66 millimetres of rain could result in washouts nears rivers, creeks and culverts.
The Alberta government says the rain is increasing hazardous conditions by eroding soil around damaged trees.
The province says trees with weakened roots could easily fall without any wind and slopes will be slippery.
Despite the rain the government says people must continue to follow the ban on fires and off-highway vehicles as the forest is expected to dry out again.
Thousands of people who fled the wildfire last month have been returning to the city and outlying communities since June 1.