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High winds forecasted for overnight have prompted a severe wave action warning for all property owners on Central Okanagan lakes.
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With wind gusts of up to 70 kilometers per hour possible tonight, it's too late to begin sandbagging efforts. Property owners should take personal safety precautions if flood protection measures are compromised.
Emergency crews are out inspecting and assessing flood protection measures and infrastructure to determine the top priorities for further action.
With the rising waters and windy conditions on Central Okanagan lakes, localized evacuations in the region are possible. Residents would only be ordered to evacuate if there is a threat of imminent danger.
Boating is not recommended on Central Okanagan lakes as rising levels are moving faster and swells in wind creating more severe conditions. Boats still on lifts at docks should be removed before the peak winds hit overnight.
To check whether a property needs flood protection, go to the Flood FAQs section of www.cordemergency.ca/beprepared, to get directions on how to measure for flood levels and build barriers to the appropriate height to account for both lake level flooding and wave action.
Sandbagging stations are stocked and replenished daily at several locations throughout the Central Okanagan. Volunteers are still welcome at sand piles to help with filling and loading sandbags. Visit www.cordemergency.ca/map to find the location closest to you.
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Find information on flood preparation, including sand and sandbag locations, how to effectively build sandbag walls and secure docks at www.cordemergency.ca/beprepared/flood-faq. For municipal information such as boat launches, park and beach closures and water quality advisories, visit their websites:
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