‘There is uncertainty with storms’: Merritt taking full precautions ahead of weekend weather

In response to the rising river, the City of Merritt has activated it’s Emergency Operations Centre at Level 1, the lowest possible. CAO Sean Smith said the move is purely precautionary at this time.

“We are going and looking at our own infrastructure, looking at the dike system. If things were to get up to a certain height, what further protections would we need to put in place just to make sure we are ready as possible? That’s really the process now, and then making sure we are learning and then sharing that data among everybody who would need to use it,” said Smith.

Similar to those in Cache Creek dealing with flooding, Merritt will be keeping a keen eye on the weekend forecast with precipitation expected across the Interior.

“The big thing that we are monitoring is that there is precipitation that will be coming over the weekend, so Friday, Saturday,” said Smith. “It doesn’t look squarely aimed at our area right now, but that can change. We know there is uncertainty with storms in terms of where they hit and how much rain falls. We want to be as prepared for that as possible.”

Smith noted that flows are not expected to exceed 100 cubic-metres-per-second, more than three time less than the 300-plus witnessed in the November 2021 flood. That was welcome news for Griep, who was forced to live in Kamloops for five months after the last flood.

“I’m glad you told me that the city isn’t that concerned, so that’s good to hear, but like you said, Mother Nature can do whatever they want,” said Griep.

The city has made sandbags available for anybody who wants them at the Civic Centre parking lot.

by Michael Reeve

‘There is uncertainty with storms’: Merritt taking full precautions ahead of weekend weather

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