Medicine Hat News BREAKING: Medicine Hat News Emergency officials are preparing for a split city, saying that vital services will continue if the quickly rising South Saskatchewan River forces bridge closures today. Several minor bridges will close at 10:30 this morning, and officials now say that Trans-Canada Bridge could be closed today. “We will give as much notice as possible of this major closure,” said Ron Robinson If major portions of the city are cut off from one another, essential services will be provided from several temporary fire, police and health bases set up overnight in all sectors of the city. Other highlights: — Police will arrest those who enter the evacuation zone or who refuse to obey and order to stay away from the river or work zones. — Crews are still sandbagging to protect bridge and road infrastructure. — Non-essential water restrictions are still place, but tap water is drinkable. Officials also said that flooding river — that rose dramatically overnight flooding some parks and low-lying roads — is the expected to peak at 5,500 cubic feet per second, a number similar to values in the record 1995 flood. “If it’s less, thank the good Lord, if it’s more, we’ll have major issues,” said Robinson. The crest — which is not a surge — is not expected at 10:30 a.m. Monday. That is a significant amount of water moving at one time, said Mayor Norm Boucher, at it is expected to rise steadily, but significantly throughout today. Previously officials believed the number could be as high as 6,000 cubic metres. The revised number still puts the bridge in jeopardy, said Robinson. Alberta infrastructure is evaluating. The highway closure would mean a “major traffic rerouting” said Robinson, who said officials are developing plans and will release more information soon. Officials also implored Hatters to stay away from the river, any flooded area and the evacuation zone. “Rising river levels may not make river rescues possible,” said Robinson, adding that police will arrest those who are found in restricted areas. Other highlights of the 8:45 a.m. briefing: — Bridges on Scholten Hill, Industrial Avenue, Maple Avenue and Finlay Bridge will be closed at 10:30 a.m. Sunday. — The next update will come at about 1 p.m.
Posted on: Sun, 23 Jun 2013 17:29:12 +0000
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