UPDATE: Local state of emergency in Kelowna
Flooding in Kelowna due to rising levels on Mission Creek. (Photo credit: Kelowna10)
A local State of Emergency has been declared for the Kelowna area due to the threat to property caused by isolated flooding along Mission Creek, Scotty Creek and the upper reaches of Mill Creek.
Over the past 24 hours, Kelowna has seen more rain than expected in the mountains and the valley, which has led to rising water levels in creeks and streams. The Central Okanagan Emergency Operations Centre has been activated.
Affected areas include:
Radant Road (closed)
Parsons Road (open to local traffic)
Bulman Road (closed)
KLO Road at the KLO Bridge between Leader and Spiers Roads has intermittent closures due to the clearing of debris. Two staff are working 24 hours a day to ensure debris is cleared. Flaggers are also on site to direct traffic.
Casorso Road at Swamp Road is currently experiencing running water across the road, but the road remains open at this time. Motorists are asked to avoid the area if possible and plan their routes accordingly.
Emergency Operations Centre staff are working with other response agencies to manage the situation and minimize the impacts. City crews are inspecting bridges, looking for debris in the areas and monitoring the water levels and the weather.
Property owners in flood prone and low-lying areas are responsible for protecting their properties from possible flood damage and are encouraged to equip themselves with a flood plan and the necessary tools in case of flood.
Sand and sandbags have been deployed to Radant and Parsons roads. Residents in affected areas that may be concerned about their properties can pick up sand and sandbags at Capital News Centre located at the corner of Gordon and Lequime roads.
==
Emergency Centre activated in Central Okanagan
Jun 14, 2022 | 12:00 PM
The Central Okanagan Emergency Operations Centre has been activated due to isolated flooding in Kelowna near Mission Creek at and at the airport.
“Over the past 24 hours, the Kelowna area has seen more rain than expected in the mountains and the valley, which has led to rising water levels in creeks and streams,” the EOC stated.
This is what Mission Creek in Kelowna looks like this morning. Water levels peaked overnight and are dropping now. Crews have been removing debris from KLO bridge to prevent water from damming up and flooding the bridge. pic.twitter.com/cC7Memy8a0
— Brady Strachan (@BradyStrachan) June 14, 2022
Radant and Bulman roads are closed until further notice. The southwest corner of the long term parking at the airport is experiencing some flooding and 20 vehicles are being relocated. KLO Road has intermittent closures due to the clearing of debris.
Motorists should also be aware that Casorso Road at Swamp Road is currently experiencing running water across the road, but the road remains open at this time. Motorists are asked to avoid the area if possible and plan their routes accordingly.
WATCH: Higher than expected rainfall leads to localized flooding https://t.co/roFe247XjD
— Kelowna10 (@KelownaTen) June 14, 2022
Crews are inspecting bridges and looking for debris in the areas and are monitoring the water levels and the weather.
Property owners in flood prone and low-lying areas are responsible for protecting their own properties from possible flood damage. Equipping yourself with a flood plan and the tools needed in case of a flood can help prepare you.
Sand and sandbags have been deployed to the Radant Road area at this time. If warranted, sand and sandbags may be deployed in other areas, and pick up locations will be posted on CORDEmergency.ca.
Who to call:
To report an emergency, including threat of life, call 9-1-1.
To report a flooding concern or potential problem (non-emergency) contact your local public works department.
City of Kelowna: 250-469-8600
City of West Kelowna: 778-797-1000
District of Lake Country: 250-766-5650
District of Peachland: 250-767-2108
Westbank First Nations: 250-707-0493
For the most up to date information, visit cordemergency.ca. Information will also be provided via twitter.com/CO_Emerg and facebook.com/CORDEmergency. Emergency response personnel request that the public to please only call 9-1-1 in case of emergency. New information will be released to the media as soon as it becomes available.
==
Earlier story
Rising water levels and increased flows have resulted in the closure of portions of the Mission Creek Greenway recreational trail in Kelowna until further notice.
Regional District of Central Okanagan communications officer Bruce Smith says the greenway corridor will remain closed from the Hollywood Road south entrance at the Peck Road parking area upstream to the Field Road entrance, until Mission Creek returns to a safe level and staff can safely assess trail conditions.
“The underpasses at the Truswell/Lakeshore, Gordon Drive and Casorso Road bridges are all closed. Pedestrians and cyclists on the Greenway are asked to use caution and only cross when it is safe at the intersections at Truswell Road, Lexington Drive and Casorso Road. Motorists are also asked to watch for Greenway users who may be crossing roads in these areas while the underpasses are closed,” said Smith.
For their safety, until the waters recede visitors should stay out of these closed areas and respect closure signs posted at these locations.
Regional Parks staff continue to monitor creek levels along the Mission Creek Greenway and Scenic Canyon regional park recreational corridor
People are reminded that during spring runoff water levels in area creeks may rise unexpectedly and they, children and pets should stay safely back from creek banks, which may be slippery or subject to erosion.
Boaters and those using Okanagan Lake are asked to keep their wakes and speed down to help reduce shoreline soil erosion and watch for floating debris that may enter the lake during the spring runoff.