Storm brings flash floods, closes highways in B.C. Interior

CACHE CREEK, B.C. – A violent storm has ripped through Cache Creek in British Columbia’s Interior, bringing with it heavy rainfall, gusting winds, and hail.

Highway 1 and Highway 97 were closed in both directions in the community on Saturday evening due to flash flooding, but have since been reopened.

Kamloops Search and Rescue volunteers have arrived Cache Creek following reports a vehicle and two mobile home trailers washed into the Bonaparte River.

Volunteer search manager Alan Hobler had earlier said he believed the occupants of the vehicle were able to escape.

Cache Creek resident Shauna Bolton said she’d never seen such an extreme storm hit the community, though it only lasted about 30 minutes.

She added that police had blocked off a number of washed-out roads, and that debris was preventing some motorists from arriving at their destination

Merritt was also hit hard by a passing storm that resident Shalyn Byrne said brought hail, high winds, and torrential rain.

“It was to the point where people were pulling over on the side of the road,” Byrne said, adding that water was running like a river down the street.

Environment Canada has now downgraded a severe thunderstorm warning to a watch for the South Thompson and Nicola Valley regions.

A severe thunderstorm watch is still in effect for 100 Mile and the Cariboo. According to Environment Canada’s website, nickel-sized hail has been reported with this storm. Residents are also cautioned to watch for possible washouts near rivers, creeks and culverts. (CFJC)