Water levels recede, but more heavy rain forecast for BC’s interior and Okanagan
Posted May 8, 2017 10:50 pm.
Last Updated May 8, 2017 7:48 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
KELOWNA (NEWS 1130) – Water levels are receding in many areas, but there is more heavy rain forecast for parts of the southern interior.
Melting snow and heavy rain has caused flooding and damage in many communities, and washed out parts of some highways.
Dozens of Okanagan families were forced from their homes over the weekend, and while some have been allowed to return, cities are keeping a close eye on water levels.
Environment Canada meteorologist Matt MacDonald says a line of thunderstorms expected this week could bring 15-20mm of rain.
“We’re likely going to issue severe thunderstorm watches on Thursday, and then if those materialize we’ll upgrade those to severe thunderstorm warnings.”
Evacuation orders are in place for areas of Kelowna, the Okanagan and Lake Country. Evacuation order for the Fintry Provincial Park and 90 homes in the Fintry Delta area have been rescinded.
There is a flood watch for Salmon River.
Two men are presumed dead after the wild weather. Cache Creek fire chief Clayton Cassidy has been missing since checking on floodwaters on Friday morning. 76-year-old Roy Sharp has also not been found after a house was engulfed in a mudslide at Tappen, near Salmon Arm, on Saturday. Searches have become recovery efforts for both men.
Meantime, the provincial government is making disaster financial assistance available to those eligible in the Central region. For more information on that click here.
Voting in flood zones
Elections BC might make alternative arrangements for voters in flood-affected areas who want to vote in tomorrow’s provincial election.
Andrew Watson with Elections BC says staff are monitoring the situation and the chief electoral officer is allowed to make changes if access is blocked by high waters.
“Where we need to change a voting place they’re able to do that and communicate that to voters in the area.”
“While voters have an assigned voting place for voting tomorrow, they can also vote at any voting place in the province.
