Mat-Su

Heavy rain prompts flood advisory for Susitna Valley rivers and streams

The National Weather Service issued a flood advisory for rivers and streams draining the Talkeetna Mountains and the foothills of the Alaska Range along Petersville Road Monday afternoon.

Streams have "begun to rise sharply" after heavy precipitation over a 24-hour period Sunday to Monday dropped more than an inch of rain on the area, the Weather Service said. The agency reported 2- to 3-foot rises in water levels as of 4 p.m. Monday.

A flood advisory means that river or stream flows are elevated or that ponding of water is occurring or imminent.The advisory includes the Talkeetna and Little Susitna rivers as well as Montana, Willow and Moose creeks. It remains in effect until 3:30 a.m. Wednesday.

Matanuska-Susitna Borough emergency officials say there was no flooding reported as of late Monday afternoon but they continue to monitor the situation.

More heavy rain in the forecast for Monday night is expected to drop another inch or more of rain through Tuesday afternoon before a strong cold front comes through the area, the advisory states. "This will cause additional water level increases. Streams draining out of the Talkeetna Mountains as well as along the Petersville Road should rise to bankfull levels and could have some minor overbank flooding in low-lying areas."

The advisory cautions drivers not to try to travel across flooded roads.

Zaz Hollander

Zaz Hollander is a veteran journalist based in the Mat-Su and is currently an ADN local news editor and reporter. She covers breaking news, the Mat-Su region, aviation and general assignments. Contact her at zhollander@adn.com.

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