Cleanup continues from the havoc wreaked by Tuesday’s storm.
While the flooded streets around town have since dried up, restoration is needed for several local buildings.
“Crazy, crazy storm,” said Sandi Dixon, Okanagan Science Centre executive director.
While a significant portion of Polson Park was under water Tuesday, the lower level classroom at the science centre was also flooded.
“There was up to four inches of water in some areas, along with mud and perhaps some sewage back-up,” said Dixon.
“This is the sixth major flood I have experienced here.”
Several basements around town were also flooded, including the Vernon fire department’s.
Water also overflowed the loading dock at Butcher Boys and came right down the grocery store aisles. But thanks to some helping hands, who were seen bucketing water out in garbage cans, the store is back up and running.
“Staff, customers, neighbours and family alike truly came together (Tuesday) as Butcher Boys faced a severe flood,” read a statement from the store. “It was truly amazing to see everyone pull together as a Butcher Boys family, and for that we love and thank you.”
But despite all the rain and flooding, as well as hail damage, some took the opportunity to have a little fun in their frontyard floods.
“Myself and neighbours got out with our kids blew up some beach toys and they had a blast playing in the flooded streets like it was a beach,” said Tammy Post, after splashing around in the pool that was once 34A Street and 24th Avenue. “We were up to our knees in water enjoying every minute of it.
“Despite rain and flooding, these kids had the time of their life.”
According to Vernon officials, much of the flooding was due to the intense downpour which local drainage systems simply couldn’t keep up with.
“Storm water sewer systems drained properly during the storm although the high volume of water exceeded the sewer capacity in many areas of the city, including the downtown core,” said Tanya Laing Gahr, city communications and grants co-ordinator.
For more photos, and videos, of the floods and hail, visit The Morning Star’s Facebook page.
