The Town of Princeton has issued evacuation alerts for parts of the town close to the Similkameen River due to potential flooding.
On Monday, the BC River Forecast Centre (BCRFC) issued a high streamflow advisory for the Coldwater River and surrounding areas, the Similkameen River and tributaries including upstream Tulameen River, and the Skagit River and surrounding areas
A second round of atmospheric rivers hit the Southern Interior on Sunday, following last week's weather event.
According to the BCRFC, an additional 10 to 25 millimetres of rain is expected in those areas.
.png)
Photo Credit: BCRFCA map of the high streamflow advisories in place as of Tuesday.
“The river levels are currently relatively high and rising,” the BCRFC said.
“The latest hydrological modeling demonstrates that the streamflows in these rivers are expected to rise to the 2 to 5-year return period levels and peaked tonight, drop slightly tomorrow and then rise again on Wednesday.”
Princeton’s evacuation alert is in place for properties between the Similkameen River and Highway 3, including the “Tunnel Area,” Burton Avenue and Waterfront Avenue.
.png)
Photo Credit: RDOSThe evacuation alert in place for parts of the Town of Princeton.
Meanwhile, the Regional District of Okanagana-Similkameen has evacuation orders in place for rural properties in electoral areas H and B as well as the Princeton Municipal Campground.
Many of those orders and alerts are being maintained from last week.
A full list can be found here.
Although the Coldwater River is under another high streamflow advisory, the City of Merritt has not issued any evacuation orders or alerts.
The Thompson-Nicola Regional District has also not issued any orders or alerts.
Highway 3 from Hope to Princeton remains closed due to flooding damage.
.png)
Photo Credit: RDOS
“Heavy rain and high streamflow bring increased risk for unstable banks, river erosion, submerged roads, swift water hazards, flooding and landslides,” the BCRFC said.
“Stay clear of the banks of swift running rivers and never drive across flooded roads, bridges or river crossings.”
The BCRFC also has a flood watch in place for the Fraser Valley and a flood warning in place for the Chilliwack River, which was issued Monday, and the Sumas River in Abbotsford, which has been maintained since last week.
