State of local emergency declared in Edson due to rain, flooding

The Town of Edson declared a state of local emergency on Monday due to rainfall and flooding.

The Town of Edson declared a state of local emergency on Monday due to rainfall and flooding.

The emergency began just after noon on Monday after more than 85 millimetres of rain "in a very short time."

Phone lines and internet were down and a number of roads were closed as crews worked to minimize damage in the town west of Edmonton.

"All of our staff resources are deployed dealing with flooding concerns throughout the community," Mayor Kevin Zahara said in an update shortly after the emergency was declared.

With the state of local emergency in place, Edson will receive more resources from the Alberta Emergency Management Agency and surrounding municipalities, the mayor explained.

Road closures include the area of 6 Avenue and 40 Street and 6 Avenue between 47 and 48 Street, Edson CEO Christine Beveridge said.

Thirteen properties have reported flooding, Beveridge added.