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Princeton on alert as river levels rise and could overflow their banks

Regional district issues flood watch advisory for Tulameen and Similkameen River
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Fenchurch Avenue in Princeton after the flood of Sunday, Nov. 14, 2021. A total of 300 homes were damaged and new flood warning have been issued for this area as rivers rise from rain. (Andrea DeMeer file photo)

Residents should be aware of potential further flooding in the Princeton area.

The Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen Emergency Operations Centre (RDOS EOC) issued the warning Sunday based on available information, including weather advisories.

“Areas prone to flooding may flood again as the weather changes,” said the RDOS EOC release.

Evacuation alerts along the Similkameen River and Tulameen River are in place to advise residents of the potential dangers of slope instability near the rivers. Properties located at higher elevations have not been identified as areas of immediate concern.

The River Forecast Centre has issued a flood watch advisory for the Tulameen River and Similkameen River.

River levels are rising and will approach or may exceed bankfull. Flooding of areas adjacent to affected rivers may occur. Rain and accompanying snow melt are expected now through Wednesday, Dec. 1. High winds may accompany these storms on the BC Coast and parts of the BC Interior.

Residents remaining in homes impacted by flooding are reminded to check in at the Tulameen and District Fire Hall. Crews continue to do repair work on Tulameen River Road and Coalmont Road, north of Otter Lake.

Princeton Mayor Spencer Coyne told media that the sewer system in Princeton is being watched carefully. If the sewer system were to back up because of rising waters, the town would be forced to evacuate like Merritt did.

Currently, 300 Princeton homes were damaged from the flood on Sunday, Nov. 14.

“We are preparing for whatever comes our way,” said Coyne on Saturday. “We are preparing for the worst right now.”

READ MORE: Princeton braces for another potential flood

The second in a series of atmospheric rivers moved in Saturday bringing steady rainfall . A third atmospheric river, possibly of even greater intensity, is forecast to arrive on Tuesday.

There are six sandbagging locations with sand and bags. You must be prepared to fill your own sandbags, and have with proper equipment including gloves, boots, safety glasses, and a shovel. Sand is not intended to be taken off-site for other purposes.

The Tulameen River dike, which was destroyed in the flood on Nov. 14, is being hastily reconstructed, at a cost of about $185,000. The Canadian Forces arrived in Princeton last week.

Preparing for rising water levels

Move equipment and other materials to higher ground.

Protect your valuables in waterproof containers. Empty crawlspaces if possible.

Raise large appliances in the basement above the potential water level from a flood.

Find your floor drain and make sure nothing is covering it like boxes, furniture or carpet.

Check that your roof and eavestroughs are draining properly in heavy rains and that downspouts are directed well away from your home.

Clean leaves, garbage, ice and other debris away from the storm drains near your home.

Buy or make an emergency kit, and keep it stocked. Families should be prepared to be self-sustaining for at least three days.

READ MORE: New flood warnings across flooded areas of B.C.

To report a typo, email: editor@pentictonwesternnews.com.

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Monique Tamminga

About the Author: Monique Tamminga

Monique brings 20 years of award-winning journalism experience to the role of editor at the Penticton Western News. Of those years, 17 were spent working as a senior reporter and acting editor with the Langley Advance Times.
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