North Saskatchewan River rising, Edmonton and area under flood watch

City planners have been given the go-ahead to explore more design options and an estimated price tag for a proposed urban beach along the North Saskatchewan River.

While severe flooding continues in southern Alberta, City of Edmonton officials said they’re keeping an eye on the North Saskatchewan River, and a flood watch was issued late Friday afternoon.

City of Edmonton officials said Friday that Edmonton, and the Town of Devon are under flood watch as of late Friday evening.

Officials said the river is expected to rise about 3.5 metres before Saturday.

The city is asking residents of neighbourhoods located lower in the river valley to move any valuables to higher parts of their homes, and to take any necessary precautions against possible flooding.

The watch came after officials said earlier Friday that they were keeping an eye on water levels, as the river was under a high stream advisory.

However, the head of the department said the situation is not expected to worsen.

Officials said earlier Friday that the water level was about four metres away from reaching a trigger point.

While the river is running high, Edmontonians are advised to keep away from riverbanks, and those using river valley trails are asked to obey signs and avoid closed trails.