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Flood Watch: Gusty wind alert

Kelowna and area residents warned that south winds gusting to 40 kilometres an hour this afternoon
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More winds in the forecast have already burdened homeowners on alert. These two are trying to save a dock in this picture from Tuesday night.

Residents along Okanagan Lake are expected to face more heavy waves this afternoon due to high winds in the forecast.

Environment Canada forecasts south winds gusting to 40 kilometres an hour this afternoon and has issued a Special Weather Statement for tomorrow with sustained winds of 30 to 40 kilometres and gusts to 60.

With lakes at historically high levels, there’s the potential for gusty winds to create waves that could lead to flooding and erosion along waterfront properties, particularly in areas with shorelines exposed to the south.

The Emergency Operation Centre planning staff has created and added a Southerly Winds Advisory map for waterfront locations that could potentially be impacted by southerly wind generated wave action across the region. A link to the map is available at www.cordemergency.ca.

Residents should leave all flood protection measures in place. They should continue to check their property flood fortifications, repairing, replacing and bolstering if needed to protect against wind generated waves on the high water levels. Emergency Operations Centre personnel are continuing to assess lake levels and the impact any future weather events may have on the ongoing emergency response.

The Emergency Operation Centre advises that the previously issued Evacuation Alert for 3550 Woodsdale Road (Emerald Point) in Lake Country has been lifted.

All other Evacuation Orders and Alerts remain. Check out the map at www.cordemergency.ca/map and search by address to determine if an area is under alert or order, or to find the closest sand and sandbag locations.

For more information, visit www.cordemergency.ca, sign up for e-updates or call the information line at 250-469-8490.