Weather alert issued ahead of expected heavy rain, Medicine Hat says it’s prepared

Scattered showers will organize into an area of heavy rain by Friday night, according to the forecast. That rain will continue through Saturday until it tapers off in the evening.

The national weather agency warned that heavy downpours can cause flash floods and water pooling on roads. It added that localized flooding in low-lying areas was possible.

The City of Medicine Hat said Thursday afternoon it does not anticipate any significant effects from rising water levels as heavy rain falls across southern Alberta.

Alberta’s River Forecasting Centre informed the city that “heavy rain events” would take place over the next three days, according to a news release.

The city’s primary focus is the potential for river flooding based on the rainfall occurring on the eastern slopes of the Rocky Mountains.

Based on data provided, the South Saskatchewan River will rise in Medicine Hat next week, the city said.

However, at this point, the forecasting centre said it anticipates it will be contained within the banks.

The City of Medicine Hat said it is prepared to mobilize if conditions change.

Merrick Brown, associate director of emergency management, said in a media statement the city has plans in place, expert personnel and specialized equipment ready to respond to weather events.

“We have entered an enhanced monitoring mode for this event, and we are a well-prepared organization,” Brown said.

The city said it continues to receive daily updates on the potential flood risk based on the modelling and expertise provided by the forecasting centre.

Prompt public notice will be provided if changes arise, it added.

Medicine Hat has a history with flooding.

About 10,000 residents were required to evacuate areas of Medicine Hat during a flood in June 2013. A flood three years prior caused millions of dollars in damages. There was also a major flood in 1995.

The city has carried out major infrastructure changes since, including the creation of an extensive berm and dike network.

Emergency plans were drawn up and a strategic flood management strategy was created, too.

by CHAT News Staff

Weather alert issued ahead of expected heavy rain, Medicine Hat says it’s prepared

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