22 Jun 2023 | 02:36 AM UTC
Canada: Disruptions due to flooding ongoing across Woodlands and Yellowhead counties as of late June 21 /update 2
Disruptions due to flooding ongoing across Woodlands and Yellowhead counties, Canada, as of late June 21. Evacuations ongoing.
Event
Heavy rainfall over the recent days has resulted in flooding across Woodlands and Yellowhead counties as of late June 21. Environment Canada has issued red (the highest level on a three-tier scale) critical flash flood warnings across Woodlands and Yellowhead counties. Officials could update and possibly extend the coverage of weather alerts over the coming days.
Evacuation orders are in place for residents in the Flats Road and Township Road 620a areas along the Athabasca River and along the McLeod River in Woodlands County, in Lower Robb in Yellowhead County, and for Sagitawah RV Park in Whitecourt Town due to heavy rainfall, high river levels, and flooding. Evacuation advisories are in place for the area located along the McLeod River in Whitecourt Town near Highway 43; residents should be prepared to evacuate. Residents in the south of the Hamlet of Peers in Yellowhead County are advised to shelter in place as the Peers Bridge has been compromised. Authorities have rescinded the evacuation order for Westview Mobile Village; residents can return home.
Edson Town authorities declared a local emergency on June 19 due to flooding. At least 13 properties in the town were flooded. Reports indicate that fallen powerlines have resulted in minor power outages. Authorities declared a state of local emergency in Yellowhead County June 19 and in the Town of Whitecourt June 20
Floodwaters and debris flows may render some bridges, rail networks, or roadways impassable, impacting overland travel in and around affected areas. Ponding on road surfaces could cause hazardous driving conditions on regional highways. Authorities could temporarily close some low-lying routes that become inundated by floodwaters.
Flooding could block regional rail lines; freight and passenger train delays and cancellations are possible in areas with heavy rainfall and potential track inundation.
Disruptions triggered by inclement weather and resultant hazards, such as flooding, could persist well after conditions have improved - it could take days before any floodwaters recede and/or officials clear debris. If there is severe damage to infrastructure, repair or reconstruction efforts may result in residual disruptions. Localized business disruptions may occur in storm-hit areas; some businesses might not operate at full capacity because of damage to facilities, possible evacuations, and some employees' inability to reach work sites.
Advice
Monitor local media for updated emergency and weather information. Seek updated information on weather and road conditions before driving or routing shipments through areas where severe weather is forecast. Plan accordingly for potential delivery delays if routing shipments by truck through the affected area. Do not attempt to drive through flooded areas. Confirm flights. Charge battery-powered devices in the case of prolonged electricity outages.
