Flood watches issued for Tulameen, Similkameen, Coldwater and Lower Nicola Rivers

Photo: Contributed

Several B.C. rivers are expected to rise again as heavy rainfall hits Saturday night and Sunday morning.

On Saturday afternoon, the BC River Forecast Centre upgraded the Tulameen, Similkameen, Coldwater and the Lower Nicola Rivers to flood watches.

A flood watch means river levels are rising and will approach or may exceed a river's banks. Flooding of areas adjacent to affected rivers may occur.

The provincial government says river levels are expected to rise overnight Saturday night and into Sunday.

"There is a high degree of uncertainty over the extent of potential spillover rainfall into the interior, as well as runoff characteristics within these watersheds," said the River Forecast Centre. "The responses to rainfall during the Nov 13-15 atmospheric river event indicated extremely rapid runoff, and there is additional uncertainty over how the watersheds will respond to additional rainfall over the next few days."

The City of Merritt is currently working to protect itself and critical infrastructure from flood waters again by reinforcing banks in certain areas on the Coldwater River that were identified through a hydrology study performed this week.

Because of the flooding last week, river banks in these areas are already vulnerable, and there is an increased risk of impacts from forecasted flows.

Forecasts predict 40 to 60 mm of rain and freezing levels are expected to climb to 1,800 meters, meaning snow will melt.

The River Forecast Centre will monitor the conditions continuously, and will provide updates. You can receive updates by clicking here.