Jason Nixon, minister of Alberta Environment and Parks, says his department continues to be in touch with municipal leaders in southern and central Alberta about providing any assistance that might be needed following a second day of heavy rainfall across the region.
“We expect to see continued heavy rainfall in areas before it tapers off on Wednesday,” Nixon said on Tuesday during a press conference.
“We are standing by supporting Alberta communities that are facing potential flooding impacts. Albertans who live in affected areas should look for updates from their local government regarding any potential evacuations and closures," Nixon said.
“Please follow directions and if there is a need to evacuate some area, cooperate with your local officials who are working to ensure everyone’s safety. We are watching conditions closely,” he said.
Municipalities can request flood mitigation equipment from provincial stockpiles through the Alberta government's provincial operations centre, he said.
Lisa Jackson is executive director with Alberta Environment and Park’s emergency management branch.
She said heavy rainfall in southern and central Alberta is expected to continuing into Wednesday morning, when it is forecasted to taper off and “turn more into showers.”
Since the morning of June 12, widespread areas received up to 30 millimetres of rain, while heavier amounts of between 60 and 80 millimetres of rain were seen in some areas west of Sundre, west of Calgary, and south of Pincher Creek, she said.
