Kelowna latest to declare state of emergency

The City of Kelowna is the latest to declare a local state of emergency in response to isolated flooding that threatens property in some areas due to higher-than-expected rainfall that has swelled rivers across many parts of B.C.

Central Okanagan Emergency Operations says rain in the mountains and the valley has led to rising water levels in creeks and streams and some roads have been closed while others are open only to local traffic in Mission Creek, Scotty Creek and the upper reaches of Mill Creek.

It says employees at the centre are working with other agencies to minimize the impact while city crews are inspecting bridges and monitoring water levels.

Property owners in flood-prone and low-lying areas are being encouraged to have a plan in case of flooding, and to pick up sand and sandbags available nearby.

The District of Sparwood in the southeast corner of B.C. also declared a state of emergency and posted evacuation alerts for two mobile home parks and several properties along the Elk River after nearly 52 millimetres of rain deluged the community.

Flood warnings have been issued by the River Forecast Centre for the Elk River and the Liard River in northeastern B.C., while flood watches are in effect for many waterways from near Quesnel in the central part of the province, south to the United States border.

Environment Canada lifted all rainfall warnings and special weather statements Tuesday across B.C., after warning up to 80 millimetres could fall in some locations in the southeast.

The City of Fernie was building up dikes and sandbagging Tuesday, but it says despite sustained rainfall, river levels are at what would be normal for a spring freshet.

Other B.C. areas under evacuation alert include the community of Six Mile, properties along the Tulameen River, several homes in Kent, and 27 units in a Sicamous mobile home park.