With the potential for heavy and at times prolonged rainfall through the weekend, the BC River Forecast Centre has issued a Flood Watch for the East Kootenay.

The Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) is urging residents to stay aware and prepared as there is a potential for localized flooding, impacts on area highways, and rapid changes within waterways.

The RDEK’s Flood Response Unit will be monitoring conditions through the weekend and the RDEK is encouraging residents who live in flood-prone areas to take steps to be prepared in the event the region does experience localized flooding.

Self-fill sandbag stations have been set up in Fairmont behind the old barn at Mountainside Golf Course on Hot Springs Road and in the lot south of the Elk River Inn on Highway 3 in Hosmer.

The sandbag stations have sand and bags; however, residents need to bring their own shovels and gloves. Additional sandbag stations will be set up around the region as conditions warrant.

A Flood Watch means river levels are rising and will approach or may exceed bankfull, and flooding may occur.

Environment Canada is forecasting that rainfall totals could be 40-60mm across the East Kootenay, with higher totals possible at high elevation.

“Preparedness and safety are key.  Know the numbers to call, have a family emergency plan, plan ahead now to protect your property from flooding if you are in a low-lying or flood prone area, and ensure you stay well back from waterways as rapid, unpredictable changes in water levels are possible,” said Christina Carbrey, RDEK Protective Services Manager.

Access to more resources can be found on the Personal Preparedness page www.rdek.bc.ca.  To learn more about how to prepare for emergencies, build an emergency kit or create a family emergency plan, visitwww.PreparedBC.ca.

To report wide-scale flooding, call 250-489-9677.

“While precipitation at this time of year is generally welcome, the potential for heavy downpours within short periods of time in this approaching system does increase the potential for localized flooding, debris flows, and dangerous driving conditions, so we hope residents will monitor the situation and take action as needed,” added Carbrey.

The RDEK continues to urge residents to sign up for the regional Evacuation Notification System, which notifies registrants by landline, mobile phone or text in the event their property or marked location is within an evacuation alert or order area.

Registration instructions and more information are available on the Emergency Information page on www.rdek.bc.ca.

 e-KNOW file photo

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