More flooding problems across the Prairies

In parts of the Prairies flood weary residents will scan the skies Sunday, looking for any sign of more rain.

There was a bit of relief Saturday in southern Alberta and Saskatchewan as flood-waters eased slightly, allowing residents to check out the damage to their properties.

But in hard hit Medicine Hat, the threat of more flooding today has prompted officials to advise about 200 people to leave their homes.

Officials describe it as a precautionary move, to make sure people can get out of the area before roads and streets become impassable.

Elsewhere in southern Alberta, a spokesperson for the City of Lethbridge says it has applied for disaster recovery assistance.  

A campground has been all but washed away, and some of the city’s river bottom parks are now underwater.

In nearby Coaldale, the 7,000 residents are being asked to reduce water consumption to ease pressure on the town’s sewer system.

West of Lethbridge, on the Blood Reserve, the Canadian Red Cross is stocking a shelter that’s housing about 300 people displaced by flooding.

Across the Alberta border, residents of Maple Creek in southwestern Saskatchewan are surveying muck-filled basements and soggy furniture as they clean-up after severe flooding.  

Torrential rains caused a nearby creek to over-run its banks, prompting the evacuation of dozens of homes and even the town’s hospital.  

Mayor Barry Rudd says people are trying to comprehend the damage to their homes.

Saskatchewan government officials say the waters are receding, although the Trans Canada Highway near the Alberta / Saskatchewan border remains closed Sunday.

It’s not known when it may re-open, after flood water washed out A 75 metre section of the highway creating a large sink hole.