The spring melt is underway, and communities along the Red River are bracing for annual seasonal flooding.
In it's last update posted Tuesday, Manitoba's Hydrologic Forecast Centre reported a maintained risk of major spring flooding along the main steam of the Red River between Emerson and the Floodway inlet. The flood protection level of community dikes, and individual flood protection works in the Red River basin, are higher than predicted flood levels and are expected to protect communities and properties in the region.
According to a report released Thursday, the U.S. National Weather Service says the flood risk is above long-term historical averages across the mainstream Red River and southeastern North Dakota, with a top 10 flood event possible for some locations.
Scott Crick, the Mayor of Morris, offered this message to his residents.
"The messaging is not any different than it has been the last few years. I think it's important for our residents to understand that, in the event the water does come up higher than expected, we will be safe and dry within our dike. We've got a great highway flood detour set up on St. Mary's Road."
If the water ends up on the higher end, Crick says the biggest challenge will be if Highway 75 closes south of town.
"Unfortunately, the province did not finish flood-proofing work south of town last year. Although we've received assurances it should be completed this year, there is still a low spot that could be problematic. So, as normal, we'll prepare for the worst and hope for the best."
~ With files from Chris Sumner ~