NewsMissoula County

Actions

Missoula County residents urged to prepare for flooding

Posted at 9:59 AM, May 16, 2019
and last updated 2019-05-16 11:59:10-04

MISSOULA – Missoula County emergency officials say now is the time to prepare your home for possible flooding.

Forecasters say rain expected this week combined with the recent warm temperatures we’ve seen means area rivers will rise once again.

The Clark Fork River above Missoula has reached minor flood stage and is expected to crest at nearly 10 feet early Sunday.

Meanwhile, the Bitterroot River near Missoula is expected to reach minor flood stage Saturday morning and crest at 11.87 feet that evening.

Residents in the Tower Street area of Orchard Homes are most likely to experience minor flooding through the weekend.

Other neighborhoods in the Orchard Homes area could see impacts from rising groundwater impacts as well.

Free sand and unfilled sandbags are available on a self-serve basis on D Road at Fort Missoula.

Missoula County OEM is urging residents in flood-prone areas to sign up for Smart911 online or by downloading the app.

OEM will use these alerts to notify residents of immediate safety concerns in their neighborhood including any evacuation notifications.

Residents should avoid contact with floodwater as it contains potential contaminants, bacteria and viruses that can cause infection and illness.