(UPDATE: June 14 @ 12:05 pm): Flood waters in Kelowna began to recede late this morning after some homes were flooded by a raging Mission Creek this morning.
For residents along Radant Road near the mouth of the creek, it was a rude awakening.
"We got a knock on the door at 5:30 this morning by the firefighters giving us notice to pack up and get ready to evacuate," said L.P. Lavoie.
"The drainage holes in the sewers that are in the back alley aren't sufficient. They can't keep up, so we've got to pump it back to the creek because we're sandbagging and re-enforcing the retaining walls there."
Sandbagging efforts were given a boost by people from all over the community who heard about the crisis on the radio and came to help.
"People just showed up, from Rutland, from all over Kelowna to help out which is great," added Lavoie.
By 10 am the water levels had dropped about a foot from the peak.
"So long as the rain holds off, I think it will keep going down and we'll be okay," he said. 'But the forecast isn't looking too promising."
As for damage, it will vary from house to house along Radant Road, which is always at risk when Mission Creek rises too high.
"These guys here have suffered significant damage from the water going right into the basement," Lavoie said, gesturing to a neighbour's home.
"This one here is pretty wet too, but we'll mop it out and be okay."
Restoration crews were already on the scene late this morning.
(UPDATE: June 14 @ 10:50 am): The Central Okanagan Emergency Operation Centre (EOC) has been activated in response to flooding in Kelowna.
Crews are inspecting bridges and looking for debris.
They are also monitoring water levels.
Emergency officials said there has been “isolated flooding” in Kelowna near Mission Creek and at the airport.
Radant and Bulman roads have both been closed until further notice, they added.
Officials said the southwest corner of long-term parking at the airport has been flooded and 20 vehicles are being moved.
Casorso Road at Swamp Road remains open but is being lightly flooded. Motorists have been asked to avoid the area.
“Over the past 24 hours, the Kelowna area has seen more rain than expected in the mountains and the valley, which has led to rising water levels in creeks and streams,” the officials explained.
They added: “Property owners in flood prone and low-lying areas are responsible for protecting their own properties from possible flood damage. Equipping yourself with a flood plan and the tools needed in case of a flood can help prepare you.
“Sand and sandbags have been deployed to the Radant Road area at this time. If warranted, sand and sandbags may be deployed in other areas, and pick up locations will be posted on CORDEmergency.ca.”
(UPDATE: June 14 @ 9:30 am): Some Kelowna homes have been flooded after Mission Creek burst its banks this morning.
Houses on Radant Road have been inundated with water as rain continues to fall.
NowMedia reporter Kent Molgat said people have rallied to help Radant Road residents with sandbagging efforts.
Molgat also said water levels are now beginning to recede.
It comes as a special weather statement issued by Environment Canada on Sunday remains in place for Kelowna.
The agency warned this morning that up to 25 millimetres of rain has already fallen in affected areas, with a total of 40 mm possible by the time the wet period ends.
Mission Creek has spilled its banks this morning. The waterway through Kelowna is flooding at Casorso Road, where the RDCO closed the pedestrian underpass last week due to rising water levels. pic.twitter.com/Pjxkl0ZAZs
The City of Kelowna told KelownaNow yesterday that sandbags are available at local fire halls.
But it added that no sand is being provided since there is “no imminent risk of flooding.”
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