The Coldwater River flowing down what used to be Pine Street in Merritt (Image Credit: Greg Lowis / City of Merritt) * picture taken last week *

By Dylana Kneeshaw

FLOOD WATCH

Officials keeping close eye on Coldwater River, with potential for rising levels in Merritt

Nov 28, 2021 | 1:04 PM

MERRITT — With further flooding in Merritt a possibility, the City of Merritt is urging residents who may be utilizing day passes to go home to leave the area.

In a release, the City says it is still working with the BC River Forecast Centre and has observed a rise in the Coldwater River at the Brookmere gauge. This provides an approximately a 8-hour lead time until there is a corresponding rise in water levels for Merritt.

All residents south of Nicola Avenue who are under the Evacuation Order need to leave by 3 p.m today (Nov. 28). Door-to-door notification will not be happening as the area’s initial evacuation order has not been lifted since it was put in place Nov. 15. Residents in this area are encouraged to retrieve their most important documents and items today.

City crews are working to protect critical infrastructure, repair dykes, and reinforce banks along the Coldwater River. However those on Evacuation Alert (north of Nicola Avenue) should be prepared to leave on short notice.

“Despite an incredible effort by City crews to reinforce and restore the banks of the Coldwater River, our community is still vulnerable to flooding,” states Mayor Linda Brown, “The river is rising and we are monitoring our river banks and are prepared to do what is necessary to keep our citizens safe.”

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