When spring dawned in March, he was faced with a very high fire danger. Now, his focus may turn to flooding.
However, the month of May brought a turn-around when the city experienced its fourth wettest on record. Williston readily received 4.65 inches of rain.
While the fire danger has pivoted to low for the moment, the right weather conditions could pose the danger of flash floods to the region, he warned.
Severe storms this week did set off similar floods throughout other parts of the state, but bypassed northwest North Dakota. The National Weather Service Office in Bismarck and the North Dakota Department of Emergency Services issued a flooding warning for the confluence of the Missouri and Yellowstone rivers Friday morning.
“We received a warning Friday morning for flooding of the area between the Lewis and Clark Bridge and the Yellowstone River,” said Lodwig. “We will see a rise in the water. It should impact some of the low-lying areas. People out camping and fishing should be aware of the rise.
“Don't camp in low-lying crevices. We have notified the officials at the Trenton Lake area. They have notified all of the campers. There are a lot of kids camping out there. We will be watching over this.”
He said early test showed the water levels at 18.8 feet, but by this evening, river levels are expected to rise to 21.2 to 22 feet.
“Our concerns are in the Buford Bottoms area, near the river bed. Hikers and campers are asked to use caution.”
Lodwig added there is always potential for a flash flood when there is a summer storm. “If we got a lot of rain in a small amount of time, dry creek beds, ravines and coulees could be subject to flooding.
“Water flows of between 6 and 12 inches will cause a vehicle to float.”
The North Dakota Emergency Services Office advises that to prepare for possible flash floods that you:
€Turn on and listen to your weather/all-hazards radio.
€Have a disaster supplies kit prepared for emergencies that include a first aid kit and essential medications, canned food and a can opener, at least three gallons of water per person, protective clothing, bedding, sleeping bags, battery-powered radio, flashlight, extra batteries, special items for infant, elderly or disabled family members, written instructions on how to turn off electricity, gas and water if authorities advise you to do so.
€Identify a safe shelter for each respective weather condition. Keep in mind, that what may be protective shelter for a tornado, may not be protective shelter for a flood.
€Understand the difference between weather watches and weather warnings.
€Flash floods can develop quickly, sometimes in just a few minutes, and without any visible signs of rain. Flash floods often have a dangerous wall of roaring water that carries rocks, mud and other debris, and they can sweep away most things in their path.
€Overland flooding occurs outside a defined river or stream, such as when the levee is breached, and it can be destructive. Do not drive through flooded driveways. Turn around and don't be drowned.
€Be aware of flood hazards no matter where you live, but especially if you live in a low-lying area, near water or downstream from a dam. Even very small streams, gullies, creeks, culverts, dry stream beds or low-lying grounds that appear in dry weather can flood.
€Elevate the furnace, water heater and electric pane if susceptible to flooding.
€Install “check valves” in sewer traps to prevent flood water from backing up into the drains of your home.
€Construct barriers (levees, beams, flood walls) to stop floodwater from entering the building.
€Seal basement walls with waterproofing compounds to avoid seepage.
€If you rely on a sump pump in your basement that is dependent upon commercial power to operate, be aware that power failure will render that pump inoperable unless you provide an alternate means of power such as a generator or battery back-up.
€Buy flood insurance.
LeAnn Eckroth can be reached at leckroth@willistonherald.com.
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