Local state of emergency declared in Kelowna

Although the worst of the rain has seemingly come and gone, the flood risk is still very much alive in Kelowna.

As a result, a local state of emergency has been declared for the area in response to isolated flooding along Mission Creek, Scotty Creek and Mill Creek.

Okanagan Lake is also expected to reach full pool in the next 24 hours.

“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,” explained Central Okanagan Emergency Operations (CORD).

Emergency program coordinator Sandra Follack said CORD was advised by Weather Canada that the area would get 20 millimetres of rain, but 65 millimetres fell in a "very short period of time."

Areas of Kelowna most affected by this morning's flooding 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.
• Multiple RDCO parks and trails, which have been closed.

The Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) has been activated and staff are working with other response agencies to minimize the impact of the situation.

Meanwhile, City of Kelowna crews are inspecting bridges, looking for debris and monitoring both water levels and the weather.

That includes a helicopter flying over Mission Creek to ensure things are safe.

“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,” CORD noted.

Sand and sandbags have been deployed to Radant Road and Parsons Road, while residents in affected areas that are concerned about their properties can pick up sand and sandbags at Capital News Centre as well.

A state of emergency is an authority measure authorized by the Emergency Program Act and is valid for a period of seven days.

Here is a list of emergency powers that come with this declaration:

• Acquire or use any land or personal property considered necessary to prevent, respond to or alleviate the effects of an emergency or disaster.
• Authorize or require any person to render assistance of a type that the person is qualified to provide to prevent, respond to or alleviate the effects of an emergency or disaster.
• Cause the evacuation of persons and the removal of livestock, animals and personal property from any area of British Columbia that is or may be affected by an emergency or a disaster and make arrangements for the adequate care and protection of those persons, livestock, animals and personal property.
• Authorize the entry into any building or on any land, without warrant, by any person in the course of implementing an emergency plan or program or if otherwise considered by the minister to be necessary to prevent, respond to or alleviate the effects of an emergency or disaster.
• Cause the demolition or removal of any trees, structures or crops if the demolition or removal is considered by the minister to be necessary or appropriate in order to prevent, respond to or alleviate the effects of an emergency or disaster.
• Construct works considered by the minister to be necessary or appropriate to prevent, respond to or alleviate the effects of an emergency or disaster.