After an afternoon of steady rainfall, the water levels increased overnight in Kimberley.

“We did see water levels rise by eight to 10 inches in Morrison Subdivision and by as much as two and a half feet between the lock blocks on Wallinger Avenue,” says Kimberley Mayor Ron McRae. “Two homes on Wallinger that previously had water once again experienced some flooding overnight due to seeping ground water.”

In spite of the fluctuating levels, the water did not reach the levels seen early on Wednesday morning and the diversion efforts kept the flowing water moving down Wallinger Avenue and into the city’s storm water system. Water levels are now receding again.

City crews are working to sandbag as much of Morrison Subdivision as they can today. Over 10,000 sandbags are already out and forestry crews, city staff, and an army of volunteers are currently filling an additional 3,000 sandbags to have ready should they be needed.

Morrison Subdivision and the section of Wallinger Avenue affected by the flooding are closed to non-residents. “We are asking people to cooperate and stay out of these closed areas. We have fast moving water, crews working to do an important job and residents who need their privacy,” stresses McRae.

With the fluctuating conditions and rain in the forecast into this evening, Morrison Subdivision and the section of Wallinger Avenue with houses numbered 2 to 98 remain on an evacuation alert. Eleven homes have been evacuated and 29 people are in temporary lodging.

By Loree Duczek

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