A northern Alberta town has issued a flood warning and told residents in an area that includes all of its downtown to be ready to leave on short notice.
The Town of Peace River says people should be prepared to evacuate if they live between the Highway 2 bridge and 104 Avenue in the south end because of possible flooding along the Heart River.
No evacuation is required at this time, but residents are advised to fuel up their vehicles, and gather important documents, medication, pets, as well as food and water.
The alert says people should prepare to be away from home for at least three days.
The town has been posting updates on the spring melt and river breakup on its website, noting this past winter brought a higher-than-normal snowpack, which it says would influence the spring melt.
It says ice jams pose the main risk, blocking the flow of rivers and sometimes leading the flooding.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published April 23, 2026.