okotoks.news

Tag: Weather

  • Okotoks begins Stage 1 emergency preparations as Sheep River levels may rise

    Residents are being asked to stay current on Sheep River conditions.

    The Town of Okotoks activated Stage 1 of its Emergency Management Plan on Sunday, May 31, while a high streamflow advisory remains in effect for the Sheep River.

    The town said heavy rain, strong winds and colder temperatures are forecast across southern Alberta. Rainfall is expected to continue into Wednesday morning, with total amounts of 50 to 100 millimetres. Sheep River flows could reach 65 to 150 cubic metres per second.

    A high streamflow advisory means water levels are rising or could rise quickly. Major flooding is not expected, although minor flooding is possible in low-lying areas.

    Officials said there is no immediate threat to public safety. Town staff are monitoring conditions and working with regional and provincial partners.

    Residents are advised to:

    • Stay away from riverbanks and fast-moving water.
    • Clear eavestroughs and downspouts.
    • Direct drainage away from foundations.
    • Watch for pooling water, particularly in low-lying areas where storm drains may be overwhelmed.

    Free sandbags are available at the Okotoks Operations Centre parking lot, 1118 North Railway St. Updates will be posted on the town’s social media channels and at okotoks.ca.

  • High streamflow advisory in effect

    Residents should keep current with updates as the Sheep River current rises.

    The Town of Okotoks activated stage one of its Emergency Management Plan on Sunday, May 31, in response to a high streamflow advisory for the Sheep River.

    Environment Canada issued a special weather statement for central and southern Alberta due to strong winds, heavy rain and colder temperatures. Rain is expected to continue until Wednesday morning, with totals of 50 to 100 mm and a possible river flow rate of 65 to 150 m³/s.

    A high streamflow advisory means stream levels are rising or expected to rise rapidly. Major flooding is not expected, but minor flooding in low-lying areas is possible. The Town said there is no immediate threat to public safety.

    The emergency management team is monitoring conditions, coordinating with regional and provincial partners, and preparing in case conditions change. Heavy rain may also overwhelm storm drains and cause overland flooding.

    Residents are advised to:

    • Clear eavestroughs and downspouts.
    • Direct water away from foundations.
    • Watch for pooling water in low-lying areas.
    • Stay away from riverbanks and fast-moving water, as banks may become unstable and conditions can change quickly.

    Free sandbags are available at the Okotoks Operations Centre parking lot, 1118 N. Railway St. Residents are asked to leave some for their neighbours.

    Updates will be posted on the Town’s social media channels and at okotoks.ca.

  • Rainfall warning continues across Foothills region through Wednesday

    Residents should keep an eye on the forecast before the situation becomes a washout.

    Residents across the Foothills region are being advised to prepare for several days of heavy rain as Environment Canada continues a rainfall warning for Okotoks, High River, Diamond Valley, Longview, Nanton and surrounding communities.

    The warning, issued Sunday, calls for widespread rainfall totals of 50 to 100 millimetres through Wednesday morning. Some localized areas could receive more than 100 millimetres.

    Affected areas include:

    • Okotoks and De Winton
    • High River and Aldersyde
    • Turner Valley and Black Diamond
    • Longview and Eden Valley
    • Cayley, Blackie, Nanton and Claresholm
    • Portions of Vulcan County, Ranchland and the Kananaskis region

    Environment Canada says the prolonged rainfall could cause water to pool on roads and in low-lying areas, creating hazardous travel conditions.

    Motorists are urged not to drive through flooded roadways and to watch for washouts near rivers, creeks and culverts.

    The warning carries a moderate impact level. Forecasters say confidence in the rainfall event remains high.

    Residents are advised to monitor forecasts and weather alerts as conditions change. Drivers can check current road conditions through Alberta 511, while streamflow information and flood advisories are available from the Alberta River Forecast Centre.

  • Special Weather Statement issued for Foothills, Vulcan County, up to 90 mm of rain expected

    The forecast is making quite a splash across the Foothills.

    Environment Canada issued a Special Weather Statement at 11:56 a.m. on Friday, May 29, for parts of southern Alberta, including Foothills County near Okotoks and De Winton.

    Rain was expected to begin Saturday night, continue through Sunday and taper off by Tuesday, June 2. Total rainfall amounts of 50 to 90 millimetres were forecast, with localized amounts exceeding 100 mm possible.

    The statement also covers Foothills County communities and areas near Priddis, Brown-Lowery Provincial Park, Diamond Valley, Longview, Eden Valley Reserve, High River, Aldersyde, Cayley and Blackie. Other affected areas include parts of Kananaskis Improvement District, the M.D. of Willow Creek, Siksika Reserve 146 and Vulcan County.

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