The Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) is urging residents to be aware and prepared after a flood watch was issued for the East Kootenay on Thursday, June 19.
"The RDEK’s Flood Response Unit will be monitoring conditions through the weekend and the RDEK is encouraging residents who live in flood-prone areas to take steps to be prepared in the event the region does experience localized flooding," an RDEK spokesperson said in a Thursday press release.
Stations have been set up behind the barn at the Mountainside Golf Course on Hot Springs Road in Fairmont and in Hosmer on the lot south of the Elk River Inn on Highway 3. These stations have sand and bags, but residents need to bring shovels and gloves.
The RDEK said more sandbag stations will be set up around the region as conditions warrant.
With the forecast calling for around 40 to 60 millimetres of rain throughout the weekend, with the potential for much more if embedded thunderstorms roll through, there is the potential that river levels will rise and approach or exceed their banks. Rainfall will be heaviest in areas just south of Sparwood.
“While precipitation at this time of year is generally welcome, the potential for heavy downpours within short periods of time in this approaching system does increase the potential for localized flooding, debris flows, and dangerous driving conditions, so we hope residents will monitor the situation and take action as needed,” said Christina Carbrey, RDEK Protective Services manager.
You can access RDEK resource at rdek.bc.ca and learn more about preparing for emergencies at preparedbc.ca.
To report wide-scale flooding, call 250-489-9677.
"Preparedness and safety are key," Carbrey said. "Know the numbers to call, have a family emergency plan, plan ahead now to protect your property from flooding if you are in a low-lying or flood prone area, and ensure you stay well back from waterways as rapid, unpredictable changes in water levels are possible."
Residents are also encouraged to register with the regional Evacuation Notification System to receive notifications by landline, mobile phone or text in the event that their property or a location they've marked is within an evacuation alert or order area.
Get current warnings and advisories from the River Forecast Centre here: bcrfc.env.gov.bc.ca/warnings and current forecast information here: weather.gc.ca
