The Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency says warmer temperatures expected this weekend could worsen flooding conditions across northeastern parts of the province.
Officials provided an update Thursday, noting 35 communities have now declared local states of emergency, including 14 new declarations in the past 48 hours. Muskoday First Nation is among the latest communities affected.
The SPSA says above-normal water flows are expected to continue for several more days, with concerns growing as northern snowpack continues to melt. Officials say the speed of the thaw will determine how severe flooding becomes in the coming days.
Crews are now being deployed northwest to assist flooded communities, while directed mitigation efforts continue in the RM of Buckland near Prince Albert.
The agency says a late spring thaw, combined with heavy northern snowpack and recent spring snowstorms, has intensified flooding conditions across much of Saskatchewan.
Several northern and central communities have already reported flooded roads, rising water levels and restricted travel this week.
Officials are encouraging travellers to check Saskatchewan’s Highway Hotline before heading out, as road closures and washouts continue to change rapidly.
The SPSA says it does not yet have an exact number of homes impacted because flooding damage is more widespread and difficult to assess compared to wildfire emergencies.
Residents are being asked to stay alert and monitor local emergency updates.
(TOP PHOTO – Recent flooding on Sturgeon Lake First Nation. Courtesy Facebook/Sturgeon Lake First Nation)