UPDATE: Streamflow advisory lifted

UPDATE: Now that the rain has ceased, a streamflow advisory for the Central Okanagan region has ended. In a press release, the RDCO Emergency Program recommends ongoing flood preparedness efforts by property owners.

CENTRAL OKANAGAN – A high streamflow advisory has been issued for all small and medium creeks and watersheds in the Okanagan Monday.

According to the Regional District, the melting snowpack and increased rainfall will cause many Central Okanagan creeks to rise and minor flooding in low-lying areas is possible.

The Central Okanagan Emergency Program recommends residents and property owners of affected areas take appropriate measures to protect their homes.

“At this time of year, Central Okanagan residents are asked to use caution around all local water bodies,” reads the Advisory. “People are reminded that water levels may rise unexpectedly and they and their pets should stay safely back from creek banks, which may be slippery or subject to erosion from the spring runoff. Okanagan Lake boaters are also advised to be on the look-out for floating debris carried into the lake from rising and faster flowing tributaries.”

Sandbags are available at all local firehalls, however residents of the Central Okanagan must provide their own sand at this time. West Kelowna has sand as well as bags available at Casa Loma Beach, Pebble Beach Park and Falcon Park.

Information on flood preparedness is available on the Regional Emergency Operation Centre website as well as the Emergency Management B.C. website.

Anyone with flooding concerns are asked to call the Regional Fire Dispatch at 250-469-8577.

In the event of an emergency, the latest information will be made available online at the EOC Information website.

To contact the reporter for this story, email Adam Proskiw at aproskiw@infotelnews.ca or call 250-718-0428. To contact the editor, email mjones@infotelnews.ca or call 250-718-2724.