Powers Creek spilled its banks, creating flooding in West Kelowna May 5, 2017.
(MARSHALL JONES - MANAGING EDITOR / iNFOnews.ca)
Republished May 05, 2017 - 10:45 AM
Original Publication Date May 05, 2017 - 8:00 AM
WEST KELOWNA - Gellatly Road is closed near Rotary Trails Park as last night's rains pushed Powers Creek over its banks.
Debris and pooled water covers much of the road in the area, as well as Rotary Trails Park, nearby farmland and the driveways of several homes. Police have closed the road on either end while West Kelowna Fire Rescue and City of West Kelowna crews work to contain the flooding.
B.C. Hydro is in the area to relocate a power pole. Power is expected to be out for up to 12 hours starting at 12 p.m. today, May 5, for the operation. The outage will affect around 6,000 customers.
A release from the City says the road is closed from the intersection with Witt Road to the intersection of Gellatly Road and Boucherie Road. It's also closed from the entrance of the Gellatly Heritage Park, near the Canyon Ridge subdivision, to the intersection of Gellatly Road Angus Drive as Powers Creek overflows onto lake level road.
Residents are advised to stay clear of the area and local residents are advised to stay in their homes while emergency personnel assess the situation.
The City is also monitoring flooding along Smith Creek Road and Hitchner Road in West Kelowna.
More details will be provided as they become available.
Work crews arrive to begin remediation work on Gellatly Road, covered by floodwaters.
(MARSHALL JONES - MANAGING EDITOR / iNFOnews.ca)
Rotary Trails Park is often closed in spring due to flooding, but rarely is it entirely under water.
(MARSHALL JONES - MANAGING EDITOR / iNFOnews.ca)
City of West Kelowna advises residents to avoid the area as they keep an eye on the forecast.
(MARSHALL JONES / iNFOnews.ca)
— This story was updated at 9:45 a.m. Friday, May 5, 2017 to add new information from the City of West Kelowna.
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