Lethbridge County water woes

Lethbridge County was under State of Local Emergency last week, due to extensive overland flooding throughout the area worsened by continued heavy rains.

Much of the devastation was in and around Coaldale and county officials said they will be repairing damage during the next few weeks, as many homes, fields, and outbuildings have experienced heavy flooding.

Many roads have also experienced overland flooding and are currently closed, with drivers in the area being asked to drive with caution.

Lethbridge County Reeve Lorne Hickey said the county is faced with very serious overland flooding especially south of Highway 3 and south of the Oldman River.

“We do have roads that are washed out. We do have lots of water that has gone over the drainage ditches, and is running into the fields and into feedlots and houses. This is probably worse than a one in a 100-year event.”

Hickey said there has been quite a bit more damage this year compared to 2013, indicating the river valley was hit hard a year ago but localized areas have been worse hit in 2014.

“We are in for a lot of work ahead of us,” Hickey said.

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