UPDATED Friday 8 a.m.
A local state of emergency has been issued for the Whitevale Road area of Harris and Bessette Creeks in Lumby.
Due to localized flooding, the precaution has been initiated by the Regional District of North Okanagan.
“The Regional District continues to monitor weather patterns and is coordinating with other agencies to address flooding issues,” RDNO states.
Residents of the Regional District of North Okanagan electoral areas are reminded that protection of private property is the responsibility of the property owner, and sand bags are available at the following locations for this purpose:
· City of Enderby & Electoral Area F – Public Works yard located at 2308 McGowan Avenue
· Electoral Areas B & C – At the North side parking lot of BX Swan Lake Fire Department located at 5764 Silver Star Road/East Dedecker Road
· Village of Lumby & Electoral Areas D and E – Across from the arena on Shields Avenue
The Regional District of North Okanagan advises any person working near creeks, streams and rivers to use extreme caution and safety measures. Fast moving water may cause erosion and bank instability.
……………………………………………………….
In response to the high creek levels and the possibility of another rain event, the Village of Lumby is maintaining its Emergency Operation Centre (EOC) – Level 1. The EOC continues to be operated out of the municipal office, located at 1775 Glencaird Street, Lumby.
“The Village would like to advise residents that Environment Canada has issued a Special Weather Statement for the Okanagan Valley and as a result there could be rapid increases in water levels. The Duteau Reservoir system is at capacity and any rain event is expected to impact the creek levels.”
See related: Duteau source spills
All properties along the creek and in low laying areas remain on evacuation alert. The full list is available here.
The Village reminds residents about the importance of being prepared by having essential documents, medications and other important items ready in the event the evacuation alert is upgraded to an order. In the event of an evacuation order the Village will increase its EOC activation level and establish its Emergency Social Services Reception Centre.
“The Village will continue to closely monitor the creeks and assess the risk to municipal infrastructure and public safety.”
Vernon residents are also being encouraged to prep for floods.
Okanagan Lake is on the rise therefore lakeshore residents can expect flooding. See Rain will push risk of extreme flooding in Okanagan
Residents are responsible for the protection of their private property. To assist with this pre-filled sand bags are available for pick up across from the Lumby Curling Club located at 2230 Shields Avenue and various locations in and around Vernon.
The public should avoid going near the creek banks, and those working in close proximity to the creeks are advised to use extreme caution as the banks can be slippery and unstable. Furthermore the water is fast moving and may rise quickly.
The Salmon Trail, Lumby Campground and Royals Ball Park remain closed until further notice.
See related: Lumby flood threat on high
@VernonNewsjennifer@vernonmorningstar.comLike us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.
