Livestock producers with stock near the Oldman River to the west and within the County of Lethbridge have been urged to move their animals because of potential flooding.
Lethbridge County officials declared a local state of emergency today because of forecasted high water levels in the Oldman River, which are expected to reach county borders within the next 24 to 36 hours.
The county said forecasters predict flooding equal to that experienced in 1995 could occur. That flood affected much of southwestern Alberta, from Pincher Creek to Medicine Hat, damaging infrastructure and costing an estimated $100 million in damage.
Residents along the river “should anticipate a potential evacuation order sometime during the day” tomorrow, depending on river flow, the county said.
About 150 millimetres of rain are expected by tomorrow morning, and the river could rise up to two metres. The ground is saturated and water is accumulating on roads and in ditches and fields.
The flood watch has been upgraded to a flood warning, which means flooding will occur near rivers.
