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Vernon News

Flood risk considered normal for area

An Armstrong property near Highland Park Elementary became inundated with water following recent rainy weather.

Warm weather could send folks rummaging for their gumboots this spring.

Mild temperatures have already released water from the region's snowpack, creating slightly above average surface runoff for the area. Still, what the region is seeing is 91% of normal.

Brent Watson, emergency manager with Vernon Fire Rescue Services, says there's been a lot of rainfall since April 1, and that's contributing to the volume of water travelling down rivers and creeks in the area.

As for flooding, Watson's predictions are optimistic.

"We're getting forecasts of a warm and dry spring/summer, which means we're looking at a normal flood risk," Watson says. "But it all depends on the weather, you never really know."

A random hot-spell could push flooding over the edge.

"When we get above 25 C, things start melting really fast," Watson says.

That's why he says residents in areas prone to flooding need to be prepared.

"The bottom line is that property owners are responsible for all measures required for protection of private property. We provide sandbags, but that's it."

To assist property owners, North Okanagan Management (NOEM) has implemented a Sand Bag program.

The locations for sand and sand bags are as follows; residents are reminded to bring their own shovels:

Armstrong: Sand and sand bags located at Public Works yards 2950 Patterson Ave.

Coldstream: Sand and sand bags located at two locations:
• Kalamalka Lake Rd, across from Postill Drive
• Lavington Area – School Road across from Jeffers Park

Enderby: Sand and sand bags located at Public Works yards 2309 McGowan St.

Lumby: Sand and sand bags located in gravel parking lot across from Lumby Arena/Curling Rink, 2230 Shields Ave.

Spallumcheen: Sand and sand bags located outside gate of Public Works yards 1511 Eagle Rock Rd.

Vernon: Sand and sandbags located at two locations:
• Vernon City Yards 1900 48th Ave. outside main gate on Pleasant Valley Road.
• Corner of Okanagan Avenue and Okanagan Landing Road.

Sand Bags available at two locations
• Work Hours – City Yards 1900 48th Ave.
• After Hours – Vernon Fire Hall 3401 30th St.

Municipal/RDNO and NOEM staff will continue to monitor the flood risk through the spring run-off season, and establish additional sand and sandbag sites if warranted.

For more information on Flooding Preparedness and Response, please visit the Government of British Columbia’s website.

Pre-recorded local flood updates and preparedness information can be obtained 250-550-3232

To contact the reporter for this story, email Charlotte Helston at chelston@infotelnews.ca or call (250)309-5230.

News from © iNFOnews, 2013
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