Canada: Snowmelt threatens more flooding in British Columbia /update 1

Event

As of Monday, May 14, high temperatures in British Columbia have brought concerns that melting snow may bring further flooding to the province. Forecast temperatures for parts of British Columbia are 10-15°C (18-27°F) above average for the week of May 13. Among the regions which could be most heavily affected by flooding are Okanagan, Boundary, and Shuswap. Around 3000 people have been forced to evacuate affected regions; further snowmelt-driven flooding may prompt the evacuation of thousands of more residents in the coming days. Consequent transportation disruptions and power outages are also possible.

Context

The recent flooding in British Columbia has been described as the worst that the province has seen in the last 70 years. Among the areas most affected by the flooding have been in the Southern Interior of the province, including the Okanagan-Similkameen and Kootenay Boundary regions; the city of Grand Forks (West Kootenay region) has also been particularly affected by the flooding and has suffered consequent power outages.

Advice

Individuals present in affected areas are advised to monitor local weather reports, avoid areas directly hit by flooding, prepare for associated transportation disruptions, and adhere to any orders issued by the local authorities (e.g. evacuation orders). Remember that driving or walking through running water can be dangerous - 15 cm (6 in) of running water is enough to knock over an adult - and that floodwater may contain wastewater or chemical products; all items having come into contact with the water should be disinfected and all foodstuffs discarded.