By Dori Modney - Lethbridge News Now

State of local emergency declared in Taber late Wednesday due to overland flooding

Mar 29, 2018 | 8:44 AM

TABER, AB — Early Wednesday, a Town of Taber news release indicated crews were clearing drainage channels and ditches and that it was ready to declare a state of local emergency if needed.

Wednesday evening, it was evident that the order was needed to deal with overland flooding.

 Flooding in the town was specifically impacting the area south of the water treatment plant, in the 5100 block of 40 Avenue, with water moving north towards the plant. While there was no immediate damage to the plant, it is possible the facility could be impacted.

Town crews are clearing ditches on the south side of the Water Treatment Plant and helping with a Municipal District drainage ditch to the west of the Water Treatment Plant for water drainage.

M.D. administrator Derrick Krizsan told LethbridgeNewsNow on Wednesday morning that water is running actively in many directions resulting in the closure of seven roads, which are listed on the M.D. website, but drivers are cautioned to watch for barricades elsewhere.

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The most badly affected area is between Chin and Purple Springs, south to Highway 513 and north to the Oldman River. Serious flooding is now happening north of the river in the Retlaw area.  

Taber’s State of Local Emergency will remain in effect until the overland flooding has subsided. Town staff will be working throughout the event to minimize effects to citizens.   Residents are asked to check drainage on and around their property to make sure water can reach drains. 

Further updates will be posted on the Town’s website and through social media channels.