Flood evacuation orders, alerts stay in place in Similkameen

Photo: Town of Princeton

The risk of flooding hasn't subsided yet for the Similkameen region, and the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen Emergency Operations Centre continues to advise residents to be aware and on alert.

Additional evacuation alerts and orders were issued Wednesday, as warm weather risked melting snow and heavy rain came down.

Since the first major flood hit on Nov. 14, 354 properties throughout the Similkameen have been ordered to evacuate by the RDOS. 1,394 have been giving evacuation alerts.

These numbers do not include orders and alerts issued by the Town of Princeton or other municipalities.

There is concern areas prone to flooding may flood again as the weather changes.

Advisories are in place to stay clear of the fast-flowing rivers and potentially unstable riverbanks during the high-streamflow period.

"Many bridges, highways, roads and dykes are compromised, washed out or highly stressed. Please do not travel unless absolutely necessary. Do not use backcountry or Forest Service Roads, they may be eroded and their stability cannot be guaranteed," the RDOS EOC said Thursday.

Visit the RDOS Emergency Operations Centre websites for resource links and information updates here. Follow the Town of Princeton Emergency Management on Facebook for information on evacuation order and alerts here.

Highway 3 remains closed east of Princeton due to the Similkameen River bursting its banks. A detour is in effect.

Small vehicle traffic can detour via Old Hedley Road, while commercial and large trucks are asked to detour via Highway 5A. Anyone who must travel is asked to check drivebc.ca for the latest updates.