An evacuation alert has been issued for 229 homes and properties in the Fairmont Hot Springs and Cold Spring Creek area due to flooding and debris in the region.
A state of local emergency has also been declared by the Regional District of East Kootenay.
The district is urging everyone to be ready to leave the area at a moment’s notice.
Residents should gather essential items, move pets and livestock to a safe area, arrange to transport all household members and arrange accommodation for everyone if possible.
More than 40 millimetres of rain fell in the area between Sunday and Monday, filling the debris traps along the river systems and swelling the creeks.
The district said this is a “one in 25-year rainfall event.”
Global BC meteorologist Mark Madryga said between five and 10 millimetres of rain is expected to fall Tuesday, along with a risk of thunderstorms.
It will be drier on Wednesday, Madryga said with a chance of showers on Thursday and Friday.
“With more rainfall in the forecast this week, there is the potential for additional sedimentation, and as a result, debris flooding or a debris flow,” according to the district’s Facebook page.
Further information and updates will be provided on the Regional District of East Kootenay website and Facebook page.