High waves along Okanagan Lake breached some flood barriers
There was some localized flooding along Okanagan Lake overnight Wednesday because of high winds.
Emergency officials says the lake is just 5 cms below its highest recorded level of 343 metres in 1948.
Emergency Operations Spokesperson Tom Wilson says in the aftermath of the storm, branches were knocked off trees and some water did manage to get around a few flood barriers.
"The hope is to maybe bring in some pumps to help pump water out from behind the barriers and do what we can to lower the water levels," he says.
Wilson says if you're living along the lakefront, or along creeks or streams, now's the time to get flood protections in place.
"There's a bit of a break in the weather: it's a little cooler, but it's going to heat up by the end of the week, and that's going to bring the creek levels up to a higher level and raise the lake to historic highs," he says.
Wilson says boating is still not recommended, and any boats still on lifts at docks should be removed – and residents should be aware of the risk of falling trees within saturated ground conditions near lakes and creeks.
For information on how to secure docks, find sandbag locations, and how to build flood barriers check www.cordemergency.ca.
