UPDATE
Sparksman Transportation says schools should expect up to a 20 minute delay for buses today because of the flooding.
UPDATE:
Because the water level keeps rising in the Hangingstone River resulting in overland flooding, Draper and Waterways residents are being asked to prepare for an evacuation.
It’s voluntary at this time; no evacuation order yet
Emergency Services and RCMP will be in the affected areas to help out.
People who evacuate should register at the Frank Lacroix Arena in Beacon Hill.
The city suggests bringing ID, cash, debit and credit cards, and medication.
UPDATE:
Residents of Waterways and Draper are now orderd to boil their water.
Alberta Health Services says people are advised t o bring their water to a rapid, rolling boil for at least one minute before drinking, making infant formula and juices, cooking, brushing teeth, washing raw foods and making ice.
UPDATE:
Fort McMurray is now under a flood warning for the Hangingstone River and a flood watch for the Clearwater.
RMWBs Deputy Chief of Operations and Technical Services Brad Grainger says the rain is holding off and evacuations are done for now.
“As the weather changes and turns there may be a need to widen that evacuation specifically in the lower Grayling area and the Ptarmigan Trailer Park area.”
He says Mother Nature is holding off the rain right now, “but the forecast over the next 3-4 days is a continuous amount of rain.”
He adds, “water present is receding or staying at its level that it’s currently at.”
Emergency crews are holding off to see how the weather is going to pan out for the rest of the day.
Roads closed span the south part of Franklin Ave at King St, and Penhorwood Street at Prairie Loop and Mills Ave.
The Ptarmigan Trailer Park has been voluntarily evacuated as well as 18 homes in the Waterways-Grayling Terrace area.
Stay tuned for all the updates
UPDATE:
The rain has led to historic water levels on the Hangingstone River, and is causing flooding in parts of the Lower Townsite area.
RCMP, By-Law Services and Regional Emergency Services are all monitoring it.
Roads closures include Franklin Ave at King St at the south end, Penhorwood St at Prarie Loop, and Penhorwood St. and Mills Avenue.
4 Waterways homes have been evacuated, 14 in Grayling Terrace, and all of the Ptarmigan Trailer Park.
Evacuated residents are being taken to an emergency reception centre at the Frank Lacroix Arena in Beacon Hill.
Keyano College Clearwater Campus is closed for day.
Classes and exams are cancelled.
The SPCA is at the emergency reception centre at the Frank Lacroix Arena to help look after displaced pets.
The Sport and Wellness Centre is closed until Thursday
Residents are being asked to take appropriate precautions.
Highways are still open stay tuned for updates.
ATCO says power was restored as of 8:01AM.
UPDATE:
ATCO is reporting POWER OUTAGES across the region.
Abasand, Anzac, Applegate, Athabasca, Beacon Hill, Downtown Industrial, Fort McMurray Airport, Gregoire Lake Industrial Park, Reserve, Estates, Trailer Court, Hospital, Janvier, Keyano, Plaza 2, Saparae Creek, Stoney Mountain Area and Waterways Areas.
Interruption cause is unknown at this time.
Estimated time for power restoration in 11AM.
Suncor McKay River In-Situ road washed out yesterday.
It supplies McKay River, Blacksand and Southern Pacific.
Can’t get in or out, and there’s no running water.
Caller says, “It’s going to turn into a Carnival Cruise line here shortly.”
Call manager first if you work.
BACKGROUND:
The region continues to see rising river levels and it’s causing flooding and even some evacuations.
Regional Emergency Services says Keyano College is seeing some flooding and sand bags are being put down.
It’s Syncrude Sports and Wellness Centre is closed until further notice.
South on Franklin Avenue at Prairie Loop Boulevard is also flooding and is blocked off.
RES says residents especially those near rivers or in the lower town site area should keep an eye on the rising water levels, take precautions, and pack an emergency bag.
It says the Hangingstone River has hit historic water levels.
Environment Canada resords show more than 80mm of rain over the last 3 days in the region.
Stay tuned we’ll have the updates.
DON’T FORGET IN YOUR EMERGENCY BAG:
– Important documents and papers
– Medication
– Warm clothes
– If you have a pet, don’t forget food
AND, if you are evacuated, it wouldn’t hurt to find someone to stay with, but shelters in churches, fire halls and community centers are set up.
