National Weather Service warns of minor flooding on the Portneuf River

The National Weather Service of Pocatello issued a warning Sunday for minor flooding on the Portneuf River.

According to Mike Huston of the National Weather Service, “it’s just minor. Really minor flooding right now.”

Huston said the recent rain and warmer temperatures contributed to some snow melt, bringing about a rise in the water level of the river.

Although the flooding is minor, Huston warms people to be cautious if they are spending time near the river.

“You need to keep track of your kids, your pets, they get in the water it’s cold, it’s swift. It doesn’t take a lot of time for hypothermia to set in,” he explained. “Those are deceptively dangerous situations, down along the river.”

This time of year is when the service generally expects to begin seeing flooding. Still, it’s hard to say what the rest of the season has in store.

“It really depends on how the snow comes off,” Huston said, explaining that temperatures and precipitation will make a big difference.