Sheridan County Urges Flood Preparedness

The possibility of heavy rain beginning Sunday night and continuing through Monday has the potential to cause flooding in Sheridan County. Sheridan County Emergency Management is urging flood preparedness ahead of the heavy rain. According to the National Weather Service in Billings, up to one inch of rain is possible Monday and into Monday night. The weather system is expected to affect both Sheridan County and the Bighorn Mountains, creating the potential for flash flooding, stream rises, and rain-on-snow runoff. Heavy rain could result in localized downpours and flash flooding, especially in areas with recent wildfire burn scars. These scars are highly susceptible to flooding due to the lack of vegetation and hardened soil that prevents water absorption.

Heavy rain falling on existing snowpack in the Bighorn Mountains has the potential to create a rapid snowmelt scenario, increasing runoff and raising the risk of flooding in communities downstream. Sheridan County Emergency Management encourages residents in flood-prone areas to use sandbags to block points of water entry around your home, such as doorways and window wells, but do not attempt to surround your entire house with sandbags, as this can trap water and cause additional damage. Free sandbags are for residential use only and are not intended for businesses or contractors. Self-fill sandbag locations are available throughout the county. Residents can call 2-1-1 or visit here for sandbag site information and flood preparedness resources.

Sheridan County Emergency Management will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as needed. Follow Sheridan County on Facebook for updates: https://www.facebook.com/SheridanCountyGovernment
or on their web site at https://www.sheridancountywy.gov