Flood focus shifts to Okanagan Lake

| May 15, 2017 in Kelowna

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It was as good a weekend weather wise as anyone could have hoped for.

Despite that, the flood watch in the Central Okanagan continues as creeks remain relatively high and Okanagan Lake is still above full pool.

Rain remains in the forecast as well, which has officials prompting residents to keep any existing sandbags in place for the time being.

About 400 evacuation orders and alerts remain in place for the Central Okanagan, with an Emergency Social Services reception still open from 11 a.m. until 6 p.m. on Monday at the Salvation Army on Sutherland Avenue and Burtch Road.

At last report on Sunday, Okanagan Lake was at 342.6 metres, which is only 40 centimetres below the flood mark.

If the lake exceeds that 343 metre mark, the downtown and Mission areas of Kelowna could face more flooding.

Residents along the lakeshore, specifically in areas highlighted by the flood map, should be prepared to leave their homes if flooding occurs.

It’s also advised to move things up from basements and crawlspaces, as well as create a 72-hour emergency kit, which you can find out more on here.

Boaters are reminded that lake levels are high and they should watch for floating debris as a significant amount has been flowing downstream into area lakes.

KelownaNow will continue to update this story as more information is made available.

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