As Central Okanagan Emergency Operations warns people to be prepared to leave their homes for up to 72 hours, Kelowna mayor Colin Basran has released a video, encouraging City of Kelowna residents to prepare for rising water levels.
Basran urged residents to work together to help friends, family and neighbours during this flooding event.
Current weather patterns have created a complex series of events that will result in an extended flood season. Creeks and lakes are almost at full pool and any wind or weather events will create ongoing impacts for the coming weeks. Preventative measures like sandbags should remain in place.
Earlier today CORD held a news conference, warning residents they are expecting a once in 200 year flood event.
A section of the Mission Creek Greenway has also been closed to improve the dike with the anticipation of a flood.
In Lake Country, flood waters continue to cause problems as residents prepare for the rain.
With rising water levels, the possibility of widespread evacuations in the region is possible. Residents would only be ordered to evacuate if there is a threat of imminent danger. Not every sign of water inside your house is cause for an evacuation.
An evacuation order means residents should take everything required for an extended stay and follow the instructions provided in the evacuation order. Only residents on order to evacuate are eligible for Essential Support Services (ESS) registration and vouchers.
An evacuation alert means that residents may be asked to leave their homes on very short notice for an extended period of time. Residents should prepare by organizing an emergency supply kit with necessary medications, personal toiletries, change of clothing and personal and family documents.