Thunderstorms in weekend forecast raise flood risk across B.C.

Incoming thunderstorms and heavy rainfall could cause rivers and creeks to rise in several areas of B.C.'s southern Interior on Saturday, according to Environment Canada, creating a heightened risk of flooding over the weekend.

The weather agency said a strong storm is expected Saturday morning. High winds, frequent lightning and downpours are all possible. Special weather statements said the rain is forecast to continue through Sunday.

High streamflow advisories are in effect for parts of the Thompson, Similkameen, North Okanagan and Nicola rivers.

The B.C. River Forecast Centre said such advisories are put in place when river levels are rising or expected to rise rapidly, but not to the point of threatening a major flood.

The news of possible storms is especially worrisome for people in Cache Creek, B.C. The village is under a local state of emergency, having dealt with flooding issues for more than six weeks. The Bonaparte River is still running high and 175 properties have been on evacuation alert since May 21.

The City of Merritt has also warned residents about the possibility of flooding on the Nicola River. The Upper Nicola has been receding, but heavy rain could cause the and ground water levels to rise.

Local state of emergency for Kootenay Boundary 

The Regional District of Kootenay Boundary has also declared a state of local emergency for the entire Boundary region, including the electoral areas Christina Lake, rural Grand Forks and West Boundary, as well as the municipalities of Grand Forks, Greenwood and Midway, in anticipation of potential flooding.

On Thursday, the B.C. River Forecast Centre issued a flood watch for the Boundary Region including the Kettle River, West Kettle River, Granby River and tributaries.

Environment Canada has issued a special weather statement forecasting thunderstorms with frequent lightning and strong wind gusts over the weekend. It warns heavy rain brought by the storms could also strain local rivers.

Francis Mika, with the emergency operations centre for Kootenay Boundary District, said forecasting shows that Monday evening could see the worst flooding, which could lead to evacuation alerts.

"We could see widespread evacuation alerts initially and that would be on the level of what we saw in 2018," she said.

"What I know from residents and what they've been through is this has got to be really, really tough."

An emergency operations team is currently working in Grand Forks to put dams and other infrastructure in place in anticipation of the heavy rains.