Regional district warns of freshet flooding on streams and creeks in Central Okanagan

CENTRAL OKANAGAN – People living next to creeks and streams who have experienced flooding before are being warned to prepare for a repeat of the past.

While mitigation efforts are ongoing, the Central Okanagan Emergency Operations Centre says the spring freshet is underway with peak run off from higher elevations expected to occur in the next three weeks.

Warm weather and a forecast of rain means residents near creeks and streams need to be alert and be ready should flooding occur in their area, the emergency operations centre said in a press release. The B.C. River Forecast Centre has issued a high streamflow advisory for most of the southern part of the province including the Southern Interior.

Of particular concern is Mill Creek, the site of extensive local flooding during last year’s freshet and now the subject of a local State of Emergency.

B.C. Wildfire Services crews are working to protect public infrastructure at key points along the creek, however homeowners and residents are expected to take measures to protect their own private property and buildings. This includes underground parking garages in apartment buildings and condominiums, the release says.

Sand and bags are available for free at 13 locations in the Central Okanagan, including a new one opened up at Rowcliffe Park in downtown Kelowna.

Locations of the sandbag sites can be found on the emergency operations website here.

All area residents are being warned to be careful around potentially unstable stream banks. Water levels can also rise rapidly without warning, the operations centre says.

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