By The Canadian Press

High water levels, heavy rainfall forecast could increase flood risk in B.C.

May 9, 2017 | 2:00 PM

MERRITT, B.C. — The B.C. government says increased water levels are expected to cause more flooding along Nicola Lake and river in the province’s south-central region.

The Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations says Nicola Lake is rising 24 centimetres a day, which is a rate of more than 40 per cent higher than the previous historical maximum.

Thunderstorms with isolated heavy rainfall are anticipated over the Nicola River watershed in the coming days and could further raise the level of the lake.

The ministry says lake levels could rise about 1.3 metres above the current elevation, likely causing water to go through the emergency spillway.

It’s anticipating flooding in Merritt and areas downstream along the Nicola River and it is urging property owners by the lake to move any equipment away from the water.

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The ministry says any unstable river banks may be more prone to sudden collapse and that children and pets should be kept away from fast-flowing streams and flooded areas or bridges.

The Thompson-Nicola Regional District, District of Lake Country, Regional District of Central Okanagan, Kelowna and West Kelowna all have states of local emergency in effect to address flooding and evacuations.