Alberta Emergency Alert: Overland Flow Flood Alert Updated

Area: Big Lakes

Description: The Emergency Operation Center (EOC) at the Big Lakes County Administration Office is closing for the evening and will reopen at 08:00 am tomorrow morning. The Driftpile River continues to rise and is affecting infrastructure in the communities in the areas of the Driftpile River and Swan River. Residents are encouraged to shelter in place until conditions improve.

There is local flooding in the area of the South Heart River near Winagami Wildland Park. Highway 2 at the Driftpile bridge has reopened. Highway 2 at the Hwy 33 junction and Hwy 2 at the Swan River Bridge remain closed and are not anticipated to open until tomorrow. A Flood Warning is still in effect for Driftpile River: The Driftpile river is continuing to rise and is currently affecting Highway 2, as well as infrastructure and residences in the community of Driftpile. The Driftpile River stream-flow gauge has malfunctioned, although field crews will be dispatched for maintenance when it is safe to do so. Anyone in the area is advised to follow the direction of the local authorities. A Flood Watch is still in effect for Swan River: The Swan River has continued to rise overnight, and is currently affecting Highway 2 according to ground reports, although no other infrastructure impacts have been reported. The stream-flow gauge indicates that water levels may be peaking and no further significant water level rises are expected at this time. Anyone in the area is advised to follow the directions of local authorities. High Stream-flow Advisories are still in effect for: East Prairie River: The East Prairie River has risen 1.75 metres and is currently peaking, according to the last gauge readings available (23:40 hrs on the 12th of June). No further water level rises are expected. This stream-flow gauge has malfunctioned, and field crews will be dispatched for maintenance. West Prairie River: The West Prairie River has risen 3 meters, and although water levels are currently rising, the rate of change has slowed and the peak is expected to occur by this afternoon. No further significant water level changes are expected at this time. Preparations are being made for a reception center if necessary. Contact Big Lakes County to report flooding roadways. Additional information regarding flooding, emergencies and support systems can be found at the County website: www.biglakescounty.ca

Instruction: Avoid low lying and flooded areas. Avoid travelling on flooded roadways. Check 511.alberta.ca for highway closures. Listen for updates and follow the instructions that apply to your area. The water levels and weather forecasts will continue to be monitored. Additional advisories will be issued as required. For updates check rivers.alberta.ca. Call 911 if you need evacuation assistance.

Additional information: Broadcast Audio

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