Environment Canada has issued an alert and is forecasting wind gusts of up to 60 km/h this afternoon and into tomorrow with a 60 percent probability of rain showers Thursday afternoon. Rain and heavy winds may increase the likelihood of flooding along Okanagan Lake. This risk is highest along shores exposed to the south.
The City of Vernon advises that the evacuation alert for residents on both sides of Lakeshore Road (from 2548 to 2688 Lakeshore Road) and 6999 Cummins Road is still in effect until further notice.
The City has taken temporary flood protection measures to protect strategic locations along Lakeshore Road. Lake access sites along Okanagan Lake remain open with the exception of Lakeshore Road.
Homeowners are responsible for ensuring that their homes are protected during an emergency event. Owners are encouraged to check their flood protection measures in advance of the strong winds that are forecasted as wave action can undermine flood protection measures. Sandbags and sand for emergency flooding can be picked up at the following locations:
- Outside Operations main entrance at 1900 – 48 Avenue off of Pleasant Valley Rd
- 4005 Pleasant Valley Rd
- Corner of Okanagan Ave and Okanagan Landing Rd (across from Marshall Fields)
- Okanagan Hills Blvd and Bella Vista Rd. intersection (entrance to the Rise community)
- 8974 Okanagan Landing Road
- 2605 Lakeshore Road
Additional information is available on the City of Vernon website at www.vernon.ca and the Central Okanagan Emergency Operations website at www.cordemergency.ca.
Information on Financial Assistance can be obtained at www.gov.bc.ca/disasterfinancialassistance.