The Town of Drumheller participated in a situational briefing hosted by Environment and Climate Change Canada at 1:00 PM this afternoon. A low-pressure system is forecast to bring widespread rainfall and high winds to central and southern Alberta this weekend.

Rain is expected to begin Friday afternoon and continue through Monday, with the most intense conditions anticipated Friday overnight through Saturday. While forecasted rainfall amounts are higher than what we've experienced in recent years, out-of-bank flooding on the Red Deer River or local creeks is not expected at this time. However, water levels will rise quickly, and residents should be prepared for localized stormwater ponding.

Please be aware, and be prepared that:

• Shallow-rooted trees may be at risk of uprooting due to saturated grounds and high winds (up to 90km/h)
• Prepare for power outages by charging up electronic devices and having flashlights and/or candles ready
• Low-lying areas are at risk of flooding
• Don’t drive through ponded water – it may be deeper than it looks

While current Red Deer River flows and predicted precipitation levels are not currently indicative of a major flooding event, Alberta Environment has issued a High Streamflow Advisory for communities downstream of Dickson Dam/Gleniffer Reservoir. No major flooding is expected at this time.

Drumheller’s tributaries, including the Rosebud River, and the Kneehill, Michichi, and Rosebud Creeks, as well as local drainage ditches are expected to see rapid increases in flow and water levels within the next 48 hours.

If your property is prone to localized flooding, sandbags and sand are available at the Town of Drumheller Operations Yard (702 Premier Way). Please be prepared to fill and transport sandbags to your property. After-hours requests can be made by calling 403-823-2512.

The Town of Drumheller will continue to monitor and provide updates as the situation evolves.

Visit floodreadiness.drumheller.ca for more emergency preparedness tips, including a 72-hr emergency preparedness checklist.

Please check rivers.alberta.ca and weather.gc.ca for the latest advisories.