High streamflow advisory issued for Kelowna, Penticton and Kamloops

A high streamflow advisory has been issued for a majority of the Southern Interior, including the Okanagan and Thompson-Nicola region.

The advisory also applies to the Upper Fraser, West Kootenays and Similkameen.

The advisory means river levels are rising or expected to rise rapidly, but no major flooding is expected. Minor flooding in low-lying areas is possible.

The BC River Forecast Centre (BCRFC) said a weather system is moving in and will bring heavy rain to much of the province. Environment Canada issued weather alerts for severe thunderstorms and significant rainfall for the Southern Interior.

“An unsettled low-pressure system is approaching and expected to bring wrap around precipitation from Alberta across the BC interior through Sunday,” the BCRFC said.

Water flows are expected to start rising on Friday with peaks likely on Saturday and into Sunday, the BCRFC said.

“Current hydrological modelling indicates the possibility of flows reaching or exceeding the 5-year to 20-year return period range in areas receiving the highest rainfall totals,” the advisory said.

On Friday and Saturday, heavy rain is forecasted for southeast BC but precipitation locations and totals will vary greatly.

The Environment Canada forecast is calling for 5-10 mm of rain in Vernon, Kelowna and Penticton on Friday with rain showers overnight.

Kamloops and Merritt are expected to see up to 10 mm with heavy rain in the forecast for Friday night.

In other areas of the province, a high streamflow advisory is being maintained for the Peace Region and a flood watch is in place for the Upper Columbia, East Kootenay, Chilcotin Region, Homathko River (Maintained).

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