Posts Tagged ‘Flooding’
Water levels of the South Saskatchewan River continue to decrease, down by over half a meter since yesterday.
As river waters continue to slowly recede, the City of Medicine Hat advises that in conjunction with advice from RCMP, no boating will be allowed for the next 24 – 48 hours allowing time for debris to pass downstream.
Water Levels in the South Saskatchewan River
Alberta Environment has upgraded from High Streamflow Advisory to Flood Watch for the South Saskatchewan River including the City of Medicine Hat. As peak flows from the Bow and Oldman Rivers make their way downstream, South Saskatchewan River water levels continue to rise and are expected to peak in the next 24 hours. These high levels will be sustained for at least a few days.
Minor flooding in parkland areas is expected. Residents are advised to use extreme caution when visiting areas along the river. The rising river water levels and potential for bank erosion or sloughing is a concern, however no homes or businesses are expected to be at risk.
Municipal Works is conducting regular inspections along Harris Street and the areas surrounding the arena. River Road is closed due to the current high flow of the South Saskatchewan River but there is still access to the City Hall and Court House Parkades via Fourth Avenue. There is no access from Maple Ave.
Parkview Drive between Finlay Bridge and the train bridge has one lane open. Parks & Outdoor Recreation continues to monitor trails and parkland along the river.
The City continues to closely monitor the situation and mitigation plans have been developed for low lying areas along the river that may be impacted.
Residents are advised to use caution around the river and motorists are asked to observe all road signs.
The City of Medicine Hat invites everyone who was involved with the 2010 flood to a free tailgate party and Medicine Hat Tigers hockey game on Saturday, September 11, 2010.
The first exhibition game of the Medicine Hat Tigers is traditionally a Charity Classic fund raising event and this year’s benefiting organization is the Medicine Hat Regional Hospice Palliative Care Society. As the City has purchased tickets to distribute to volunteers, workers, other stakeholders and those affected by the recent flood, the Hospice Palliative Care Society will benefit from the increase in ticket sales.
“The Charity Classic is a great way to accomplish several objectives simultaneously,” says Fire Chief Rob Robinson who served as Director of Emergency Management during the flood. “By working collaboratively with the Tigers organization we offer an opportunity for a fun-filled evening for everyone who was involved in one way or another during and post flood while at the same time, supporting the Hospice Palliative Care Society by increasing proceeds from ticket sales. We look forward to the community coming together following this extraordinary flood event to recognize the generosity and unselfish acts of neighbors helping neighbors, and thought the tailgate party and hockey game would accomplish this in a classy way.”
A tailgate party along with a free barbecue will run from 5 to 7 p.m. for all ticket holders. The Charity Classic Hockey game with the Tigers going up against Swift Current Broncos will begin at 7:30 p.m.
Tickets to the 2010 Flood Thank You event are now available from volunteer organizations, the Volunteer Centre, Cypress County Office or Community Development, third floor of City Hall.
For more information, www.medicinehat.ca
The Director of Emergency Management Chief Robinson reports that as of 11:30 a.m. Saturday June 26, 2010 the State of Local Emergency for the City of Medicine Hat and Cypress County is hereby lifted. The Emergency Operations Center will continue to work diligently on current objectives and align appropriate agencies to implement strategies in as timely a manner possible.
Municipal agencies are working both out in the community and behind the scenes to restore all services. The City of Medicine Hat is and will continue to do what is required to get our community back on it’s feet.
Access to homes and businesses that were restricted by the flood is being addressed as quickly as possible. Municipal Works is working to restore temporary access along Highway 41A over Ross Creek.
Residents are urged to continue using the Flood Information line (403-502-8900) for updates and information regarding available assistance programs.
Safety remains a concern. Citizens are reminded to stay away from coulee and creek banks as slope failure and sloughing could still occur without warning.
Sixteen years ago, the Community Foundation of Medicine Hat and Southeastern Alberta proudly made its inaugural grant, one of assistance to the City of Medicine Hat after 1995’s devastating flooding.
Today, the Community Foundation reminds those in our region that the foundation is available to assist charitable organizations through the Immediate Assistance Fund.
“The Immediate Assistance Fund began a year ago to collect donations for those affected by the economic downturn,” said executive director Mike Christie. “And although we made disbursements this spring, we have left the fund open for emergencies such as this.”
*UPDATED June 21st*
There has been a huge amount of press releases coming out from the city regarding the flooding issues around and in Medicine Hat, below are a complete archive of all of the releases so far (listed newest first):
June 20th – 2:50PM – Flood Status Update #2
An update received from Alberta Environment indicates that the Medicine Hat area can expect rain starting tonight and continuing for most of tomorrow. Approximately 40 to 50 mm is expected.
The rain will cause the water flow levels of the creeks to increase to the maximum levels reached on Saturday. The South Saskatchewan River is currently cresting and the impact of the rain on the river in Medicine Hat will not been seen for a couple of days.
Residents are reminded to follow all road and park closure signs. At this time Police Point, Kin Coulee and Strathcona parks remain closed. Although the water may have receded in some areas, a safety concern still exists until crews have had time to clear debris and conduct proper safety assessments. A complete list of road closures is posted on the City of Medicine Hat website.
Residents affected by evacuation are being advised not to return to their homes at this time. The situation remains uncertain as the impact of the rain is unknown. Prior to returning to their homes they are encouraged to contact Alberta Health Services at 403-502-8205 for information about safety precautions to follow. In addition safety code inspections should be conducted. A complete list of service providers that home owners should consult prior to returning to their homes will be posted on the City of Medicine Hat website Monday.
Due to the road closures, the City will be making necessary adjustments to the transit routes. Once alternative routes have been determined, maps will be posted on the City website or residents can call 403-529-8214 more for information.
The Evacuation Centre will close tonight but will remain on standby to reopen if necessary.
The Volunteer Centre will remain open until 10:00 pm tonight and anyone interested in volunteering can call 403-502-8565 to register. THE JUMP – Read the rest of this entry »
In the wake of the 2010 flood in southeast Alberta many are left with massive property damages, ruined homes, and even some without homes. A Facebook group has been created for people to unite and help out those who have been affected with donations. Additionally, over 300 photos have been uploaded to show the totality of the damage. To support the group or make a donation, please check out The Medicine Hat/Irvine & Area Flood Relief Facebook Group.
*This is an outdated advisory, please view our Flood Updates (Complete Listing) post for more up-to-date information.*
With the recent rain fall, Medicine Hat and Cypress County Emergency Management staff are monitoring the water levels in the region.
A High Streamflow Advisory has been issued by Alberta Environment for the South Saskatchewan River including the City of Medicine Hat. This means that stream levels are rising or expected to rise rapidly and no major flooding is expected. Minor flooding in low lying areas is possible. Anyone situated close to the streams affected is advised to be cautious of the rising levels.
A Flood Warning has been issued by Alberta Environment for all tributaries flowing north out of the Cypress Hills. This means that rising stream levels will result in flooding of areas adjacent to the streams affected. Anyone situated close to the river should take appropriate measures to avoid flood damage. THE JUMP – Read the rest of this entry »