Emergency personnel have had a reprieve, but they could soon be back on the frontlines.
There is a growing concern that weather conditions today and Thursday could reignite creeks that have settled down since flooding began last weekend.
“The flows they are predicting could be higher than we had,” said Kevin Acton, Lumby mayor.
“But people are more prepared and they need to stay prepared.”
Environment Canada is calling for sun and a high of 25 today, and 24 with a 60 per cent chance of showers or thundershowers Thursday. It could be 15 with rain Friday.
As of press time Tuesday, mandatory evacuation orders in Lumby remained for properties on Faulkner Avenue and Bessette Street as well as single homes on Shuswap Avenue and Vernon Street. There is still an evacuation alert for properties along the three creeks.
Enderby officials are also watching the weather as attempts are made to resume water service.
A temporary water line was being installed Tuesday across the Bawtree Bridge.
“It will allow us to tell people regular usage is OK because fire flows will be covered,” said Mayor Greg McCune.
Businesses and residents have been cutting down on consumption since the city declared a state of local emergency due to an imminent loss of water Saturday.
The crisis arose because of high turbidity on the Shuswap River which led to a boil water advisory May 5, and a drinking water main being out of service since a break in April.
Rain this week could create turbidity in the river, which could impact the treatment process.
Turbidity has led to a boil water notice for the Duteau Creek and Kalamalka Lake sources, which cover Vernon, Coldstream, Areas B and C, some areas of Area D and Spallumcheen (including Stepping Stones).
There is also a boil water advisory for the Killiney Beach and Westshore Estates water utilities in the North Westside area.
Spallumcheen has closed a number of roads because of high water while Armstrong continues to clean up from extensive flooding on the weekend.
Flooding has also been reported in Lake Country, while the Okanagan Indian Band has dealt with water issues along Westside Road and at the Duck Lake reserve.
On Tuesday, the Regional District of North Okanagan closed the BX Creek Trail between Star and Tillicum roads because of ground instability.
