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Flood advisory in effect in Hill, Blaine counties

Flood advisory in effect in Hill, Blaine counties

Tim Leeds

A flood advisory is in effect in Hill and Blaine counties through Thursday afternoon, with county officials closing some roads and warning people to keep an eye on water levels.

"At this point, preparedness is the word of the day, " Blaine County Commissioner Vic Miller said this morning.

The National Weather Service issued the advisory Tuesday.

The warm temperatures are melting snow resulting in stream levels rising, with some overflowing of banks, the Weather Service reports in the advisory.

Thirtymile Creek in Blaine County is reported to be full to its banks and continues to rise, while Snake Creek is overflowing New Hope Road, the advisory reports.

High levels of moisture in the snow in northeastern and northern Hill and Blaine counties have raised concerns about floodwaters during the spring melting. The relatively high levels of moisure in the ground increase those concerns, limiting the amount of runoff that could be absorbed.

Joe Parenteau, disaster and emergency services coordinator in Hill County, said this morning that melting snow has led to the closure of one road in northwestern Hill County, north of Rudyard.

He said the water is coming, and the levels of streams and Milk River continue to rise.

"We want people to be aware of that and watch for local conditions, " he said.

Miller said the county officials are keeping a close eye on the situation in Blaine County. If the temperatures continue to drop at night, the water will continue to run off swiftly but that should reduce major flooding concerns, he said.

"However, we are urging livestock producers to have an evacuation plan in the event of getting livestock off the river or low lying areas. " Miller said.

He said homeowners should have an evacuation plan and emergency kit prepared.

"You should have a three- to seven-day survival kit already made up, " Miller said "This would include necessary medications, blankets, toiletries and those comfort items for sheltering. "

Parenteau said that, in an emergency situation, people should dial 911 to report flooding. For reports of conditions or concerns, he said, county residents can call his office at 265-5481, ext. 283, or notify the Hill County Sheriff's Office at 265-2512.

A flood advisory is in effect in Hill and Blaine counties through Thursday afternoon, with county officials closing some roads and warning people to keep an eye on water levels.

"At this point, preparedness is the word of the day, " Blaine County Commissioner Vic Miller said this morning.

The National Weather Service issued the advisory Tuesday.

The warm temperatures are melting snow resulting in stream levels rising, with some overflowing of banks, the Weather Service reports in the advisory.

Thirtymile Creek in Blaine County is reported to be full to its banks and continues to rise, while Snake Creek is overflowing New Hope Road, the advisory reports.

High levels of moisture in the snow in northeastern and northern Hill and Blaine counties have raised concerns about floodwaters during the spring melting. The relatively high levels of moisure in the ground increase those concerns, limiting the amount of runoff that could be absorbed.

Joe Parenteau, disaster and emergency services coordinator in Hill County, said this morning that melting snow has led to the closure of one road in northwestern Hill County, north of Rudyard.

He said the water is coming, and the levels of streams and Milk River continue to rise.

"We want people to be aware of that and watch for local conditions, " he said.

Miller said the county officials are keeping a close eye on the situation in Blaine County. If the temperatures continue to drop at night, the water will continue to run off swiftly but that should reduce major flooding concerns, he said.

"However, we are urging livestock producers to have an evacuation plan in the event of getting livestock off the river or low lying areas. " Miller said.

He said homeowners should have an evacuation plan and emergency kit prepared.

"You should have a three- to seven-day survival kit already made up, " Miller said "This would include necessary medications, blankets, toiletries and those comfort items for sheltering. "

Parenteau said that, in an emergency situation, people should dial 911 to report flooding. For reports of conditions or concerns, he said, county residents can call his office at 265-5481, ext. 283, or notify the Hill County Sheriff's Office at 265-2512.

 

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