Vernon residents put on alert as hot weather, thunderstorms conspire to cause more flooding

VERNON – Some Vernon residents are being warned that the forecast doesn’t look good and more flooding could be on the way.

The City of Vernon has issued an evacuation alert for residents on both sides of Lakeshore Road, from 2548 to 2688 Lakeshore Road, and 6999 Cummins Road.

The weather forecast warn of hot weather Wednesday and Thursday, followed by heavy rains and thunderstorms anticipated from Thursday until Sunday, the City says in a media release.

“Along with the increased water flow in local creeks from the melting snowpack, heavy rains and high winds increase the likelihood of flooding along Kalamalka and Okanagan Lakes,” the City says.

Okanagan Lake levels are currently at 340.5 metres. Residents in impacted or at-risk areas are advised to protect property to 343.5 metres plus an additional buffer for wave action.

With lakes at unprecedented levels, the underground water table has come to the surface in some neighbourhoods. Residents should continue to monitor basements and crawlspaces in low lying areas. Local streets may close suddenly due to ground water seeping to the surface.

The City is taking measures to mitigate the risk of flooding by installing temporary flood protection in strategic locations along Lakeshore Road. Cummins Road is currently being built up, which may also provide some protection against flooding. Additionally, another sand and sandbag location is being established at 2605 Lakeshore Rd.

Click here for a full listing of sandbag locations, plus detailed information about what it means to be on an evacuation alert.

More than 200 homes are on evacuation order due to flooding on the Okanagan Indian Band reserve. 

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