The evacuation alert issued by Birch Hills County earlier this afternoon is now an order.
This is due to rising water levels in the Smoky River.
The instructions from Alberta Emergency Alert are to, “Evacuate immediately. Report to the Reception Centre at Tangent Community Hall. If you need transport call 780-814-0530 to evacuate. Follow the directions of local authorities.”
According to the Alberta River Forecast Centre, water levels have risen around five metres at Watino and there could be an additional two metres before the river peaks either tomorrow or Sunday.
Birch Hills County is asking residents to prepare for a possible evacuation.
The county issued the alert due to rising levels in the Smoky River at Watino.
According to the Friday morning update from the Alberta River Forecast Centre, water levels rises of six metres is possible.
The centre says it is supposed to peak either late this evening or tomorrow morning.
The province also goes onto say in the warning that 1/3 of the eastern part of Watino, as well as the Highway 49 bridge could be affected.
The county says if an order is issued, residents will have two hours to get to higher ground.
Several rivers within the Peace River Basin are either under a high streamflow advisory or a flood watch.
Flood watch:
- Peace River at Fort Vermilion
- The Simonette River
- The Wapiti River and its Tributaries
High streamflow advisories:
- Peace River upstream of Fort Vermilion
- The Smoky River and its Tributaries
- The Little Smoky River
- The Kakwa River
- The Cutbank River
- Tributaries to the Wapiti River
Click here for the latest river forecasts.
– Kenny Trenton, Trending 55 Newsroom
