Rain Could Have Major Impact On Lakes

All eyes are on the skies tonight when it comes to the flooding in the Okanagan.

The forecast is for showers or thunderstorms, with up to 10 mm of rain.

Emergency officials say it has the potential to increase Okanagan Lake levels by 10 centimetres over the next 24 hours

The lake is already 15 cm’s above its previous record high set in 1948.

The City of Vernon says it’s monitoring the levels, and its Emergency Operations Centre staff are on standby.

“Residents near lakes and stream and in low-lying areas are urged to take precautions to protect their property in the case of overland flooding,” says a City release.

Sand and sandbags are available at:

Outside Operations main entrance off of Pleasant Valley Rd

4005 Pleasant Valley Rd

Corner of Okanagan Ave and Okanagan Landing Rd (across from Marshall Fields)

Okanagan Hills Blvd and Bella Vista Rd. intersection (entrance to the Rise community)

8974 Okanagan Landing Road

Residents are reminded to keep all flood-protection measures in place until the threat of flooding has passed.

“With the lake levels at historic highs, environmental and health risks should also be considered,” says the release. “The City would like to remind parents to keep children out of dirty shallow water to prevent any health risks posed by standing water. Pets should be prevented from drinking this water as well.”

Boat owners are discouraged from using the lake at this point, as boat wakes can cause lakeshore erosion or flooding of properties.

Boaters should also be aware that wood debris floating under the surface of the lake could cause damage or injury.

For more information, please visit www.vernon.ca/emergency.