With rain still expected this weekend, North Okanagan residents remain on flood watch.
There is a concern showers could force the level of the Shuswap River and some creeks to rise, putting property at risk.
“The issue is going to be more towards today and Monday because it takes a bit for the rain water to get into the river,” said Gord Molendyk, with the Emergency Operations Centre.
“We’re asking people to be very vigilant.”
As of press time, an evacuation alert continued for all low-lying properties along the Shuswap River flowing south and west from Sugar Lake to Mabel Lake, and all low-lying properties along the river flowing west and north from Mabel Lake to Mara Lake.
Molendyk says residents should be prepared to leave if required.
“Depending on the amount of rain and how intense it is, we could see them (river and creeks) rise beyond bank levels further.”
The City of Enderby has issued an advisory to all residents about flooding.
Because of rainfall and the height of the water table, many of the low-lying storm drains are near capacity. This could impact areas not normally at a risk for flooding.
“We’ve taken what steps we can to prepare,” said Tate Bengston, Enderby’s deputy chief administrative officer, adding that extra pumping capacity has been added to the storm sewer system.
Sand and sandbags are available at the Enderby public works yard (4308 McGowan St.) and in Grindrod at the corner of Crandlemire and Foxwood roads.
A boil water notice continues for customers east of the Enderby bridge to Rosoman Road. They are asked to boil their water for at least two minutes.
“This notice does not apply to water customers west of the Enderby bridge,” said Bengston.
Boaters are being told to slow down on Mara Lake and the Shuswap River.
There is a concern that high speed is escalating the problem residents face with high water.
“Boats travelling at high speed and close to the shore are causing waves that increase water levels as much as two feet, resulting in increased flooding and further damage to affected residents,” states the Shuswap Emergency Program.
