Summer-like temperatures are forcing rapid snow melt and that has local residents on alert.
The B.C. River Forecast Centre continues with a high stream flow advisory for the Okanagan as temperatures soar into the upper 20s over the weekend and are expected to reach 30 Monday.
“Now is the time to be ready,” said Brent Watson, with North Okanagan Emergency Management, which oversees emergency preparedness in the region.
“We don’t expect catastrophic flooding but it shouldn’t be a surprise either. It happens every year.”
The primary focus right now is along small and medium-sized creeks.
“They can flash up and flash down,” said Watson of water flow.
The Shuswap Emergency Program is also on alert in the Falkland area.
“Long time residents know which streams or rivers have acted up in the past due to heavy rainfall or intense melt runoff,” said Cliff Doherty, with SEP.
“Property owners are responsible for ensuring their properties are prepared for such events.”
A similar message is coming from North Okanagan Emergency Management.
“We’re working really hard to make people aware,” said Watson, adding that there are sandbag locations in Vernon, Coldstream, Enderby, Armstrong and Lumby.
“Sandbags are going out so people are getting the message.”
Environment Canada is calling for a high 29 today, 30 Monday and 28 Tuesday.
The normal daytime high for this time of the year is 19.
North Okanagan residents needing information on sandbag sites can go to www.vernon.ca/em/index.html.
For sandbag information in Falkland, go to https://csrd.civicweb.net/Documents/DocumentDisplay.aspx?ID=5998.
