Following a rainy night in Southern Alberta, a number of communities remain under local states of emergency and residents are keeping an eye on the water levels in rivers and streams.

A State of Emergency has been declared in a number of communities in southern Alberta.

In Coaldale, the rain has been relentless and a number of rural properties are flooded because the culverts are unable to keep up with drainage.

"We've had it in our basement once, it came through our sewer. But right now we've put a higher extension on the sewer so hopefully the house stays dry this time,'" said Joanne Voorhorst from Coaldale.

In Fort Macleod water has flooded into some low-lying areas, parks, campgrounds, and a portion of the river valley including Highway 811.

In High River, the town's Emergency Operations Centre was activated at 11:15 a.m. on Thursday.

Officials say the Highwood River is expected to peak at about midnight at 240cms and is currently running at 200 cubic metres per second.

“This is a level one activation, which means that it will involve minimal staff and only pertains to one specific area of Town,” explained Len Zebedee, deputy director of emergency operations. “The river forecast has changed slightly, which could impact Wallaceville, and we wanted to be prepared should we need to increase our response.”

Some overland flooding is happening in Okotoks and a few streets flooded. Crews delivered sandbags to some residents along a creek in the middle of the night to help keep the water out.

"Around 3 o'clock the Town of Okotoks delivered us some sandbags and we had to put sandbags over there and I'm glad they did because if they didn't we would have definitely had water in our basement so we're sure thankful," said Okotoks resident Ron Krysko.

Meanwhile, in Claresholm, the community remains under a rainfall warning and pumps have been running non-stop to help homeowners. About 60 homes in the area have been affected by some flooding and crews are already working to dry out basements.

The reception centre at the Claresholm Arena was closed on Wednesday night, but the Emergency Operations Centre will remain open.

Elections Canada has also notified nearly 5,000 registered voters in Claresholm that their polling station, for the Macleod byelection, has changed.

All voters scheduled to vote at stations 122 to 133 will now vote at the Stavely Arena, located at 5004-51 Avenue in Stavely, Alberta.

Lethbridge's fire chief says the flow on the Oldman River is expected to peak on Friday at an estimated flow of 1,800 m/s, well short of earlier estimates of 4,500 m/s.

About 250 homes there have been affected by overland flooding, but officials are monitoring water levels. Residents are being reminded to stay back from the riverbanks.

Workers in Medicine Hat are taking any chances with the forecast, using the time they have to build a berm to protect City Hall and the law courts from flooding.

The river there isn't expected to peak until Saturday morning and there have been no evacuation orders.

State of Local Emergency (SOLE) or Emergency Operation Centres (EOCs)

Town of Fort Macleod

  • Declared SOLE at 7:45 p.m. on June 18
  • River is rising, no impacts to homes currently.
  • Secondary Highway 811 north of Fort Macleod is closed due to overland flooding.

Town of McGrath

  • Declared a SOLE at 10:27 a.m. June 19
  • Agriculture and Rural Development have supplied pumps to the town.

MD of Taber

  • Declared a SOLE at 10:45 a.m. on June 19. EOC to be activated shortly.

Previously declared

Blood Tribe

  • SOLE in effect.
  • More than 130 homes have been affected by overland flooding or rain issues affecting approximately 350 residents that have been evacuated. Approximately 50 have been accommodated at a reception centre and others have been accommodated elsewhere.
  • A First Nations Field Officer has been deployed to the Blood Tribe.

Town of Cardston

  • SOLE in effect. EOC is active.
  • Town reports its water treatment and waste water systems are working well.

Town of Claresholm

  • SOLE in effect. EOC is active.
  • More than 35 homes affected by overland flooding.
  • Schools remain closed. Diploma exams are still being held. For more information on provincial examinations and potential exemptions contact Alberta Education at 780-427-0010 (toll free dial 310-0000 first).

Town of Coaldale

  • SOLE in effect. EOC is active.
  • Agriculture and Rural Development have supplied pumps to the town to support de-watering efforts.

Town of Coalhurst

  • SOLE in effect.

MD of Crowsnest Pass

  • SOLE in effect. EOC to close this afternoon.

Town of High River

  • EOC is active. 
  • High Stream Flow Advisory remains in place.

City of Lethbridge

  • EOC is active.
  • River expected to rise somewhat, but not expected to cause significant impact.
  • More than 300 homes affected by sewer backup/overland flooding.
  • City reports normal operations for water and wastewater treatment systems.
  • Alberta Health Services staff are working with Lethbridge to ensure Emergency Medical Services are available in all parts of the city should roads become closed or evacuations occur.

County of Lethbridge

  • SOLE in effect. EOC is active.
  • Valley residents are on alert for potential evacuation.
  • Agriculture and Rural Development have supplied pumps to the town to support de-watering efforts.

City of Medicine Hat

  • SOLE in effect. EOC is active.
  • Alberta Health Services staff are working with Medicine Hat to ensure Emergency Medical Services are available in all parts of the city should roads become closed or evacuations occur.

MD of Willow Creek

  • SOLE in effect. EOC is active.

Piikani Nation

  • Water is receding and roads are open.
  • Several homes affected by overland flooding.