By Corey Fischer

Update: State of Emergency In Armstrong

Mar 23, 2018 | 4:00 PM

Update: 4 pm:

The City of Armstrong says creek levels have decreased this afternoon, but a state of local emergency remains in effect for Armstrong.

“As of 1 pm today City crews noted decreases in creek levels and areas affected by overland flooding,” states a city news release. “Staff are working with Emergency Management BC through which the Province is providing assistance to the City. City Crews will be working over the weekend to mitigate flooding and monitor creek levels.”

The City of Armstrong has declared a state of local emergency due to flooding, a result of heavy rain on Thursday.

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Mayor Chris Pieper says the declaration allows the city to do emergency work, if its required.

“Meighan Creek came up last night at least two feet. There is serious flooding especially along Willowdale Drive. The seniors home (Pioneer Square) once again got flooded and there’s ten evacuations in there,” Pieper tells CJIB News.

Pieper says all of the units at Pioneer Square have flooding on the floor, while some basements in that area are also flooded.

He says the evacuated residents have been moved to care homes in Vernon.

The mayor says they also have a huge lake in downtown Armstrong.

“It’s serious, and we’re doing everything we can to alleviate it, but Mother Nature is in control of rain. The rain we got last night was serious and it really jumped the level of the creek.”

Meighan Creek (Global Okanagan photo)

City of Armstrong News Release:

The City of Armstrong has declared a state of local emergency in response to flooding which is being experienced in areas of the community.

Large volumes of water are collecting in low lying areas as a result of recent heavy rains.

There are currently no road closures but the City asks residents to use caution around creeks as fast moving water may cause erosion and instability of bank edges.

The City of Armstrong would like to remind residents that they are responsible for protecting their buildings and properties from flooding. Sand and bags are currently available for self-filling, at no cost, at the Public Works Yard located at 2950 Patterson Avenue.

Residents whose homes are impacted by the flooding should call City Hall 250-546-3023.

by Corey Fischer