Thunder showers, rain could mean flooding for part of B.C. southern Interior

Residents and property owners in part of B.C.'s southern Interior are being asked to prepare for potential flooding due a forecast of thunder showers mixed with rain and sunshine.

Residents and property owners in part of British Columbia’s southern Interior are being asked to prepare for potential flooding due a forecast of thunder showers mixed with rain and sunshine.

The Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen says the flood risk has increased considerably due to cooler temperatures and delayed snowmelt, and rain could raise the flow of rivers, creeks and tributaries and affect homes in low-lying areas or floodplains.

The district is asking people to be proactive by removing personal items that could be damaged by high groundwater or flooding.

It’s also offering sand and sandbags at 13 locations and has posted a video on its website on how to fill, move and lift sandbags, which should weigh less than 20 kilograms for building walls to protect property.

Local states of emergency are in effect in two southern B.C. communities and evacuation alerts have been posted elsewhere as run-off from recent heavy rain reaches rivers.

However, forecasters say the immediate risk of a major flood is subsiding and some flood watches have been downgraded.

The City of Kelowna declared its emergency late Tuesday as Mission Creek topped its banks, flooding numerous roads, yards and basements.

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.