Penticton Creek at the Ellis Creek bridge on Friday afternoon, May 5, 2017. Water levels are rising throughout the Regional District of Okanagan Similkameen following heavy rains last night and a sudden onset of warmer weather.
(STEVE ARSTAD / iNFOnews.ca)
May 05, 2017 - 3:01 PM
PENTICTON - Last night’s heavy rain has combined with warmer temperatures and an accelerating snowmelt to create rising waters in the South Okanagan and Similkameen.
The regional district is dealing with numerous flooding issues, according to emergency services coordinator Dale Kronebusch.
Although no one has been evacuated and no one has been displaced by flooding so far, Kronebusch says the emergency operations centre is up and running to deal with flooding calls and assist with the sandbagging efforts.
He says water levels are rising in the Tulameen River and Otter Lake, threatening the community of Tulameen.
There have been reports of flooding and road washouts from Missezula Lake to Cawston in the Similkameen, he says, with some flooding reported on Cawston roads and along Upper Bench Road.
Flooding and washouts have also occurred in the area affected by the 2015 Testalinden Creek wildfire on both the Okanagan and Similkameen sides.
Fairview Golf Course and a couple of nearby wineries reported water issues, with Road 9 also affected by floodwaters. Approxiamtely 120 feet of McCurdy Lake Road was washed out last night as well, Kronebusch says.
Anarchist Mountain and parts of Naramata are also experiencing water issues.
“These water issues are weather driven. We’re getting prepared just in case,” Kronebusch says.
A severe thunderstorm watch remained in effect Friday afternoon, May 5.
Those looking for flood assistance or information on sandbag availability can call the regional district at 250-492-0237.
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