Flood advisory upgraded, extended

The same week that flood advisories have been upgraded and extended in the Havre area, forecasters are predicting more snow will fall, complicating the situation.

Hill County Disaster and Emergency Services Coordinator Joe Parenteau said the levels of creeks, streams and rivers have been rising, with some flooding, although no severe flooding has occurred as yet.

"But people need to be alert, " Parenteau said. "It could change at any time. "

He said rising creeks have flooded some roads in the county, which had led to the closure of four roads.

Rising waters in Sage Creek had hit Big Sandy Creek, leading to ice jams above the bridge on U. S. Highway 2 on Big Sandy Creek.

Some of the ice has moved under the bridge, and it is in no danger Parenteau said. The ice jam has led to flooding on some low-level pastures near the creek, but no structures appear to be threatened at this point, he said.

The flood warning issued by the National Weather Service advises people to use caution.

"Flood waters are usually deeper than they appear, " the warning reads. "Just one foot of flowing water is enough to sweep vehicles off the road. When encountering flooded roads, make the smart choice — Turn around — Don't drown. "

Snow and cooler nights — the lower temperatures could help slow down the melting and reduce some flooding — are forecast for the next few days.

Snow was expected today, with a 100-percent chance of snow Tuesday and more chances of snowfall or rain and snow through Saturday. Highs are expected to be in the 20s through Wednesday, then creeping back into the 30s Friday and Saturday with a high of 42 Sunday. Lows are forecast in the teens through Friday.

Parenteau said the impact the new snow will have on the flooding depends on how wet the snow is, and how the weather affects the flooding.

"We'll definitely have to keep an eye on it, " he said.