Mackenzie County is declaring a state of local emergency, as well as an evacuation alert.
Alberta Environment and Parks upgraded an ice jam watch to a warning for the Peace River between Fort Vermilion and Sunny Valley.
According to the warning, the ice is expected to reach Fort Vermilion in the next 24 hours.
Fred Wiebe is the Director of Emergency Management with the county, and says an advisory means to be prepared in case it becomes an order.
“The river is very unpredictable so we want to ensure that people are prepared to evacuate, if needed so this is the time we ask residents in low lying areas in North Vermilion and low lying areas in the Hamlet of Fort Vermilion to be prepared (to evacuate),” explains Wiebe.
If an order is given to evacuate, residents will be notified by Alberta Emergency Alert and door-to-door notification.
The Tomkins Landing area is already dealing with flooding.
Wiebe says a warning does not mean a flood will happen, but that residents of low lying areas by the Peace River should be ready.
“Grab your insurance documentation, and any identification,” suggests Wiebe.
“Take some food and water, a bag of clothes, medications. Basically, prepare to be away from home for a few days. Definitely bring your pets, as well as any belongings very important to you.”
The county is asking anyone who voluntarily evacuates to call 780-927-3718.
– Kenny Trenton, Trending 55 Newsroom
