Cokato Road just outside of the City of Fernie is closed this morning after heavy rain over the past 24 hours resulted in Cokato Creek overflowing its banks.

“Water and debris have gone across the roadway starting in the 4500 block of Cokato, leading to waist deep water on some properties this morning,” said Regional District of East Kootenay Information Officer Loree Duczek.  “Water is still flowing over the road and the road remains closed at this time.”

The Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure (MOTI) and Mainroad East Kootenay Contracting have mobilized equipment and will be conducting further assessments of Cokato Road this morning, along with several other locations around the Fernie area.

One resident has been evacuated after egress from their property was cut off by flood water. Fernie Search and Rescue members have gone door to door in the Cokato Road area up to Thompson Road and there are currently no other residents requiring assistance.

“Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.  Anyone being affected by flooding should call the Provincial Emergency Coordination Centre at 1-800-663-3456 as this is the fastest way to engage local emergency officials,” added Duczek.

A detour remains in effect on Highway 3, 4 kms east of Fernie, at Dicken Road and crews are on site in the Anderson Road area and Highway 3 assessing impacts there.  For the latest information on highway conditions, visit www.drivebc.ca.

The Regional Emergency Operations Centre has been activated in support of the City of Fernie and Electoral Area A.

Lead image:  Cokato Creek has overflowed its banks prompting the closure of Cokato Road in the 4500 block. Photo Credit: B. Morgan, City of Fernie

Article Share