Public meeting on flooding threat in Jefferson County set Monday

JEFFERSON COUNTY, Idaho (KIFI) - The National Weather Service and Jefferson County Commissioners are holding a public meeting to discuss the possibility of flooding in Jefferson County.

The meeting will be held in the Jefferson County Annex Building and starts at 11 a.m. on Monday

During the meeting, Tim Axford from the National Weather Service office in Pocatello told county commissioners that currently, the risk of flooding in Jefferson County is low. Although areas near the county such as Henry's Fork near Beaver Dick Park in Madison County. But officials in Jefferson County feel they should be ok.

"We think what will happen is that will have pretty high flows from the Henry's Fork, which may cause flooding in other areas. But I think Jefferson County is going to be able to handle that one and stay dry from the South Fork. We've got two great big reservoirs to fill, and I think it's looking like we're going to fill both of those reservoirs this year," Jefferson County emergency services manager Rebecca Squires said.

Some sheet flooding has already occurred in the area and damage has been limited.

"The first type of flooding is sheet flooding, and that's what we're experiencing now. When the snow melts and runs down the hill. And so far we're experiencing minor flooding. We still have the flood warnings in place, but our culverts and other drainage structures are handling it," Squires said.

All residents are encouraged to plan ahead to limit the damage to their homes by placing sandbags and building up berms.