CTVNews.ca Staff Published Sunday, June 23, 2013 7:01AM EDT Last Updated Monday, June 24, 2013 1:52AM EDT

Emergency crews in Medicine Hat have prepared for the worst as water levels in the citys major river continue to rise and are expected to peak Monday morning.

The water flow in the South Saskatchewan River is projected to top 5,000 cubic metres per second on Monday. Similarly high flows in the river in 1995 caused widespread damage across southern Alberta.

Flooding on the Bow and Elbow Rivers devastated parts of Calgary on Thursday and Friday, and more than 20 communities in Alberta have been on alert after heavy rains.

Approximately 10,000 people have been asked to leave the low-lying areas of the city as the South Saskatchewan River continued to rise over the weekend.

Volunteers sandbagged areas around city hall and the downtown core in preparation for the high waters.

Soldiers have also worked to build a dyke around the citys drinking water treatment plant.

Both the water treatment plan and power plant continue to be protected by berms, Ron Robinson, the citys director of emergency management, said at a news conference. Our drinking water is safe.

On Sunday, the water flowed higher than most people in the city had ever seen.

I worked the flood in 95 and it was really bad then, resident Kevin Elderkin told CTV News. They say it's supposed to be twice as bad, if not three times as bad (now). It's hard to fathom.

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TransCanada bridge in Medicine Hat will remain open