Water will likely close Highway 3 in low spots between Hedley and Keremeos when the Similkameen River rises later this week.
The Regional District Okanagan-Similkameen issued a release recommending residents with health and mobility issues or who have livestock or animals at low levels, to self-evacuate. Homes currently on evacuation alert should prepare for an evacuation order for some areas in the next few days, the release stated.
“Due to flooding concerns, Highway 3 will likely be closed in multiple locations and it is important that residents prepare now for a potential Evacuation Order. Closure of Highway 3 will potentially strand residents, and people with health issues or livestock need to prepare to self-evacuate,” the release stated.
Related: Hard work went into reopening Highway 3
The highway was closed near Riverside RV Park last week when water levels in the Similkameen River rose drastically. Crews worked to create berms to hold back the water in the area. The berms might not work when the Similkameen River rises again.
DriveBC provided a detour route that sent motorists to Princeton, up to Aspen Grove, across Highway 97 to near Peachland and then through Penticton to Highway 3A.
“Please be advised Nickel Plate Road is washed out and currently impassible,” the release stated.