Flooding on BX Creek in the Vernon area washed out sections of the BX Creek Trail, Tuesday, June 14, 2022.

Image Credit: SUBMITTED/RDNO

Several communities in the Thompson-Okanagan have declared local states of emergency as they deal with localized flooding.

The local state of emergency remains in effect in Kelowna as Mission Creek continues to surge as run-off from the recent rain reaches the waterway, although forecasters said the immediate risk of a major flood is subsiding.

The state of emergency in Kelowna was declared yesterday, June 14, as water spilled from the banks of the creek flooding roads, backyards and some basements.

Search and rescue volunteers continue to search for a missing Kelowna woman who feared swept away yesterday while walking her dog along the creek. Her car was found in a nearby parking lot.

READ MORE: Search continues for Kelowna woman missing near flooded creek

The Central Okanagan emergency operations centre is asking people to leave debris washing up to prevent more erosion. Boaters are being asked to slow down so wakes don’t do more damage.

Below is an aerial view of Mission Creek as it enters Okanagan Lake in Kelowna.

“As we are in the annual freshet season, water levels have not yet peaked in Okanagan Lake and there is currently a significant amount of debris from the flood in the lake,” emergency program coordinator Sandra Follack said in a media release.

Crews have been inspecting creeks and bridges for debris and water continues to move freely with no blockages.

“However, weather conditions over the coming days are expected to continue to be unsettled with up to five to 10 mm of rain in the next 24 hours,” Follack said. For the very latest from the Central Okanagan emergency operations centre go here.

The heavy rains and snowmelt have swollen BX Creek in the Vernon area and water is high and fast-moving. Several sections of the BX Creek Trail have been temporarily closed by the regional district.

Emergency Info B.C. said local flooding has prompted ongoing alerts west of Tulameen and the Village of Lumby, in the North Okanagan, issued a localized flooding alert.

READ MORE: iN VIDEO: Kamloops pilot provides aerial view of rivers approaching peak levels

In Spallumcheen, the township has activated its emergency operations centre because of localized flooding from Fortune Creek on Stepney Cross Road.

In Enderby, the rising Shuswap River, which is expected to peak tomorrow, June 16, has forced the city to close Tuey Park and Kildonan Boat Launch, according to the local emergency operations centre.

The River Forecast Centre has maintained the watches for the north and south Thompson regions.

In the Shuswap, the watch includes Seymour River, Eagle River, Adams River, Shuswap River and surrounding tributaries.

In Sparwood, a local state of emergency remains in place, with two mobile home parks and several other properties on evacuation alert due to surging levels of the Elk River.

A flood warning issued for the river through Sparwood and Fernie has been downgraded to a high streamflow advisory because the River Forecast Centre says flows remain high due to the recent storm, but the river isn't expected to reach the flood stage.

Local authorities are reminding property owners in all flood prone and low-lying areas they are responsible for protecting their own properties from possible flood damage. Sand and sandbags are available for residents wanting to protect their properties.

For more information on flood preparation check out the province's flood readiness web page here.

— With files from The Canadian Press

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