A second flood expected

UPDATED: 10:49 a.m.

A second significant flood is expected in the Kootenay Boundary area.

Hot temperatures in the coming week could cause snow to melt quickly at higher elevations.

Emergency officials are asking the public to remain vigilant in anticipation of the second surge of water that will likely pass through local watersheds over the weekend and into early next week.

Crews continue to repair critical dykes in the Boundary region.

The public is asked to remain outside of evacuation order areas, including boaters.

People taking photos of the floods must obey the orders that are in place and not enter evacuation zones and floodwaters.

A lot of debris is in the waterways which is a serious safety hazard.

It is important to be safe when near floodwater. River levels can rise quickly and currents can be unpredictable.

The contact for the Emergency Operations Centre is 1-888-747-9119.

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ORIGINAL: 7:57 a.m.

The Regional District of Kootenay Boundary has confirmed that 74 properties have been downgraded from an evacuation order to an alert.

The 74 Grand Forks properties near the northwest section of the downtown core will remain under an evacuation alert as a precaution.

Almost 3,000 residents remain on an evacuation order across the Boundary region because of the risk of a second flood.

With warm temperatures continuing over the coming days the risk of more flooding is high.

Re-entry plans for many neighbourhoods are on hold now that current forecasts and river modeling show a second crest reaching levels close to that seen on May 10.

Over 1,000 people have registered with the reception centre in Grand Forks but less than 20 people are staying in group lodging. Most are staying elsewhere.

Digital assessment tools and GIS technology helps emergency crews to map damaged areas and compile data about flood impacts as they carry out field assessments of the impacted areas.

The post office, library and a couple of local grocery stores have been downgraded from evacuation order to alert, helping residents to access amenities.

Crews are now repairing dykes that were damaged from flooding.

Crews are also working to repair and maintain existing flood protection structures across the Boundary region.

Many Grand Forks residents have registered with the Red Cross upon evacuation. Loved ones wanting to connect with them can call 250-442-1658 or 250-442-1556.