Straight Talk

Central Okanagan, including Kelowna, gets through night with no new reports of flooding

by Charlie Smith on May 12th, 2017 at 7:14 AM
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      Thunderstorms were in the forecast for the Central Okanagan area of B.C., but they did not materialize overnight.

      As a result, there were no reports of new flooding overnight, according to Central Okanagan emergency operations.

      But there is still a chance of more flooding with rain in the forecast over the next two days and an accelerated snowmelt. 

      "Residents in low-lying areas and near creeks and lakes that may be susceptible to flooding should continue efforts to protect their property from potential flood damage," the regional district states on its website. "Do not remove any sandbags or other protective measures until advised that the flood threat is over."

      Already, many expensive lakefront homes have been flooded and hundreds of thousands of sandbags have been put on the ground to stem the rising water levels.

      There are also concerns farther east in the Boundary region. With more rain expected, ranchers have moved cattle to higher ground around Grand Forks, which already experienced some flooding downtown.

      The River Forecast Centre has also issued a flood watch for Dawson Creek, Chetwynd, Fort St. John, Hudson’s Hope, and surrounding areas.

      Up to 90 millimetres of rain are expected by Saturday (May 13) morning in the Peace River region.

      In addition, there's a flood watch warning for parts of the Bulkley River, including small streams and tributaries around Houston, Telkwa, and Smithers.

      Meanwhile, ICBC has issued a warning to motorists to exercise caution around flooded areas. It has also advised people to store vehicles on higher ground if they're living in these parts of the province.

      The ICBC website has the following advice for anyone driving in a flood zone:

      • Floodwaters can quickly wash out roads and bridges. That's why it's important to be prepared and plan out an alternative route in case the road you want to use is closed. Check drivebc.ca for the latest road conditions and Emergency Info BC for up-to-date flood information.
      • If you find yourself on a road that's flooded or marked closed, don't continue. Turn around and use another route.
      • If you have no choice but to drive into water, drive slowly and cautiously. Watch carefully for signs of a moving current that may impact the safety of the road ahead. Respect the power of water.
      • Think about what you can't see—hazards such as submerged trees or downed powerlines that may be in the water. If in doubt, don't proceed.
      • After driving through deep water, always test your brakes. They may pull to one side of the other or they may not work at all. You can dry the brakes by driving slowly and applying brake pressure lightly. Other parts such as emergency brake cables, axels and electronic components should be dried and checked by a qualified professional as soon as possible.
      • If your vehicle stalls on a flooded stretch of road, be prepared to abandon it and retreat to higher ground.
      • Don't try to retrieve vehicles from flooded areas until it's safe. Wait for the water to recede.
      • If your vehicle's engine has even been partially immersed in flood water, don't try to start it. Qualified professionals should check all operating systems and fluid levels to prevent possible future problems.

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