Local rivers surge as new Flood Watch issued

UPDATED:

The Flood Watch for the Okanagan was ended Wednesday, May 24. The BC River Forecast Centre said the low-pressure system that impacted the B.C. central interior over the past few days has moved on and most rivers in the Okanagan and other parts of the wider region have reached peak levels and are receding.

Warmer and drier conditions are anticipated through the rest of this week.

River Conditions: In most areas, flood hazards have diminished as snowmelt and rainfall runoff has eased.

Original story-

The BC River Forecast Centre upgraded a High Streamflow Advisory to Flood Watch on Monday following accumulated rainfall amounts of 15-25 mm in areas of the Okanagan Valley.

It said the unsettled weather pattern, following recent hot temperatures, was similar to thunderstorms that caused flooding on Mission Creek near Kelowna in June 2022.

Forecasters said river levels were rising or expected to rise rapidly.

However, no serious flooding was reported Tuesday.

Light rain was forecast to ease and make way for dry, sunny and warmer weather Wednesday through Friday.

The Flood Watch covers the Okanagan including Mission Creek and tributaries around Syilx Territory, Vernon, Kelowna, Penticton and surrounding areas.

A Flood Watch means river levels are rising and will approach or may exceed full capacity. Flooding of areas adjacent to affected rivers may occur.

A previous Flood Watch was issued May 2, although was rescinded to a High Streamflow Advisory six days later on May 8.

Officials repeated warnings about the dangers of being near these riverbanks, creeks and fast flowing bodies of water.

It’s calling on the public to stay clear of fast-flowing rivers and potentially unstable riverbanks; avoid recreational activities such as fishing, swimming, boating or hiking near high streamflow rivers or streams, and remember, high streamflow can easily trap strong swimmers, increasing risk of drowning.