New flood warnings issued in east Idaho

IDAHO FALLS — New flood warnings were issued in eastern Idaho Friday and several existing warnings were extended into the weekend.

National Weather Service officials say a flood warning means flooding is imminent or occurring.

The Portneuf River near Topaz has risen above its flood stage of 4 feet. It is now 4.7 feet and lowland and crop field flooding is possible from Pebble Creek to Inkom.

A flood warning is now in effect in Jefferson County due to heavy rainfall and snowmelt that is moving downhill from other counties. The main flooding is occurring on or near Camas and Beaver Creeks. The run off has also affected the towns of Hamer and Monteview. It should eventually start affecting the lower elevations and towns and cities in southern Jefferson County over the next 24 hours, according to NWS.

Locations in Jefferson County that may experience flooding include: Rigby, Lorenzo, Terreton, Menan, Ririe, Roberts, Lewisville, Mud Lake, Hamer, Monteview, Heise and Sage Junction.

A flood warning has been extended in Madison, Fremont, Clark and Butte counties. Emergency management officials were reporting numerous roads in rural parts of these counties that are washed out or are covered in water. Creeks and streams will continue to run high and fast and will likely be out of their banks in low lying areas.

Locations in Madison, Fremont, Clark and Butte counties that may experience flooding include: Rexburg, Sugar City, Teton, Archer, Egin, Plano, Thornton, Green Canyon Hot Springs, Newdale and southern St. Anthony Sand Dunes, Dubois, Idmon, Spencer, Kilgore, Edie School, Small, Lone Pine and Humphrey.

Officials advise residents to keep children away from storm drains, culverts, creeks and streams as water levels can rise rapidly and sweep children away.

All of the warnings expire at about 3:30 p.m. Saturday.