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Kamloops  

Rain shuts down city

UPDATE 4:15 P.M.

This afternoon’s heavy rainfall has resulted in flooding of city streets.

The City of Kamloops is advising motorists and pedestrians that the 10th Avenue underpass is currently closed due to excessive amounts of water.

Overlanders Bridge still has one lane closed to traffic while crews finish clearing the debris. 

Residents in low-lying areas may experience localized pooling on roadways and boulevards due to sealed drainage catch basins.

Residents are advised to use caution when driving in flooded areas. All crews will be responding to clear debris and pump water as necessary. Residents are directed to call 250-828-3461 if they are experiencing excessive pooling.

Send photos and video to [email protected].


Intense rain in Kamloops is starting to cause problems as streets flood, rock slides hit roads and man hole covers are blown off.

Kamloops RCMP say they have been kept busy responding to numerous incidents throughout the afternoon as a result of heavy rainfall that began around 2 p.m.

RCMP are now warning residents to avoid the Overlander Bridge entirely as it's reduced to one lane of traffic southbound, due to falling debris on the roadway from the run off up above.

A slide has also come down on Highway 5 in the northbound lane between Sun Rivers and Mt. Paul Way, reducing northbound traffic to single lane.

The third area of concern is the 10th Avenue underpass at Lorne Street, where water has accumulated and trapped at least one motorist on the roof of their vehicle due to the high waters.

Police have asked motorists to avoid these particular areas until the water has time to recede and crews have time to clear the roadways.

The storm lasted only about 25 minutes Wednesday afternoon, but quickly overwhelmed drains and other infrastructure, forcing water and debris onto roads.

In the middle of the chaos, Kamloops Fire Rescue and BC Ambulance were called to pull a boy out of the Thompson River that runs through the middle of the city.

A caller reported a boy screaming for help, but it was later confirmed he made it out safely.

Dan Sutherland with Kamloops Fire Rescue says their crews are responding to many reports of flooding in basements.

Environment Canada meteorologist Allan Coldwells says up to 25 millimetres of intense rainfall rolled over the region and he expects the rain to diminish over the next few hours.

We will have more details as they become available.

Send photos and video to [email protected]



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