Flooding near Creston, B.C., forces evacuation of at least 1 home

The Regional District of Central Kootenay is asking residents to be ready to leave as rapidly warming temperatures raise the flooding risk for properties along rivers in the region.

Already one home, along the Goat River near Creston, has been evacuated due to flooding.

"Rising temperatures are resulting in breaking ice which could lead to flooding and damage," said Andrew Bellerby, fire chief for the Regional District of Central Kootenay, in a release.

"Please stay away from water and report any flooding to the [district]."

The frigid weather combined with snow has created ice jams on some rivers in the area. Now, the recent cold front is expected to change to warmer temperatures — up to 5 C.

That, along with more rain or snow, could cause the ice jams to break up.

The Regional District of Central Kootenay is asking people who live in low-lying areas next to rivers to be ready with emergency kits in case they have to leave suddenly.

Volunteers in the communities of Canyon and Lister next to Creston are already filling sandbags at the firehall in preparation for this week.

"No injuries have been reported but residents are asked to be vigilant as temperatures rise over the coming week," said the release from the district.

with files from Bob Keating