WATCH: City blindsided by intense rain as local state of emergency declared

Officials have declared a local state of emergency after a significant amount of rain caused flooding along Mission Creek, Scotty Creek, and the upper reaches of Mill Creek.

Over 65 mm of rain has fallen, far beyond the 20-some that was forecasted, according to Sandra Follack, with the Central Okanagan Emergency Operations Centre.

“That’s three times as much rain as what we thought was coming, which is why we have some localized flooding,” she told reporters Tuesday afternoon. “It’s also bringing some debris down the creeks, which is causing us some issues.”

The most significant damage is along Radant Road but is contained to about five homes. The area has experienced low-lying flooding in the past. Follack said the deluge of rain eroded a wall at a home along the creek, causing the entire street to flood.

Wildfire crews were on site sandbagging, alongside property owners in the area, she said. The sandbags will run along the creek, all the way down to the lake, and remain in place for several days.

Pressed on why more wasn’t done to prepare for a swell of water, Follack said the predictive modelling used to prepare didn’t anticipate the creek would spill its banks.

“It was an unexpected rain event,” she said. “We protect and mitigate the best that we can but when we have an unexpected rain event no one knows about – even Weather Canada wasn’t sure what was coming in -- we do what we can.”

She said enhanced mitigation work is underway to prepare for what is forecasted in the days ahead. That includes a helicopter flying Mission Creek to make sure there are no tangles up in the mountains.

Despite the miss this time, Follack said she has full confidence in the predictive modelling.

“This rain hit at about 4 a.m. at its magnitude,” she said. “This happens sometimes, unfortunately, and it is a lesson learned.”

She said continued closures could happen in and around Mission Creek as crews deal with clean up and inspect damage. Rolling closures are anticipated on nearby roads and bridges, too.

Anyone who lives in a flood-prone area, she said, should gather what they need to be prepared. Sandbags are available at the Capital News Centre.