Environment Canada is warning about heavy rain possibly contributing to the escalating flooding situation and mudslides in a special weather statement issued today (May 5).

Today through Saturday night (May 6) the following areas are under the special weather statement: Kootenay Lake and Highway 3 – Paulson Summit to Kootenay Pass, West Kootenay, Boundary, Arrow Lakes – Slocan Lake, Central Okanagan – including Kelowna, South Okanagan – including Penticton.

“New flooding, exacerbation of existing flooding, and mudslides are possible from heavy rainfall on melting mid-high elevation snowpack. Showers at times heavy will develop today as the first of multiple systems arrives. By this afternoon, showers will intensify with embedded thunderstorms further increasing precipitation amounts,” Environment Canada stated.

“Confidence remains low on spatial extent and intensity as the high precipitation amounts will depend on the embedded thunderstorms. Nevertheless, the threat for sudden heavy downpours and flash flooding on top of the volatile spring snowmelt conditions remains.”

“Rainfall warnings may be issued as certainty grows.

Please refer to the British Columbia River Forecast Centre for local messaging on flood potential.

A mudslide closed Highway 3 east of Salmo yesterday, with traffic now running as single-lane alternating as the clean-up continues.

Lead image: Kootenay Pass earlier this afternoon. DriveBC Photo

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