The Fairmont area has experienced heavy rain this weekend. In the past 24 hours, our weather station has received over 44 mm of rain. This rainfall intensity and duration is currently considered to be at 1-in-25-year precipitation event.

Please use extreme caution around the creeks in the community as the water and flow levels in the creeks will be very high and banks can erode and be unstable. There is also the possibility of sediment transport along the creeks in the form of debris floods or flows.

For those who would like to do any sandbagging, sand and sandbags are available at the barn by Mountainside Golf Course in Fairmont. Two piles have been set up to allow for social distancing and you will need to bring your own gloves and shovels.

Resources:

• Flood Preparedness Newsletter
• Other preparedness information: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/emergency-preparedness-response-recovery/preparedbc/know-your-hazards/floods

Homeowners should ensure their ditches and driveway culverts remain clear. We have staff on the ground in Fairmont today checking the highway culverts.

A reminder if you see widespread flooding or a debris flood, please call the 24-hour emergency line: 1-800-663-3456.

Environment Canada is forecasting rain to continue throughout the day today, tapering off to 40% chance of showers through the night and tomorrow. With more rain in the forecast for this week, we are encouraging residents to review the flood preparedness information, maintain your awareness around local creeks and watch for further updates. If you have not already signed up for emergency evacuation orders or alerts through the regional Evacuation Notification System, you are encouraged to register and can do so here: https://www.rdek.bc.ca/departments/protectiveservices/emergencyinfo/evacuation_notification_system/

Staff will be monitoring weather and creek conditions and we will provide updates as needed.