Icy roads, blocked catch basins causing concern in Okanagan

Pooling water and icy roads are the latest concern amid an extra cold and snowy season in the Okanagan. 

Daytime temperatures have risen above zero for the first time in weeks and are forecast to drop below freezing overnight.

Not much precipitation is expected in the forecast, but if rain does fall, that could be problematic, according to Geert Bos, manager of public works for City of Kelowna.

Temperatures in Kelowna will range between -2 Celsius and 4 C from now until Saturday, Jan. 15.

“We’re preparing for similar temperatures that Penticton is looking at,” Bos said. “(Precipitation) is what will determine whether this is an event or non-event.”

Crews will be working away but the City is also counting on homeowners to keep catch basins clear to allow water to flow into the storm drains.

“We don’t like to see pooling water on streets especially with temperatures dropping below freezing,” said Boss.

READ MORE: Why Kelowna is still catching up on snow clearance

Icy roads and and blocked catch basins are also a concern in Penticton, according to communications manager Philip Cooper. After concerns of a freezing event are dealt with, warmer weather will begin melting more snow, and then the City will shift its focus towards the heavy volumes of water entering the catch basins.

"(Block catch basins) can lead to localized water-pooling along roads or through intersections," Cooper said. 

The City of Penticton issued a press release yesterday, Jan. 11, to say road crews are prepared for the upcoming weather event. Residents are reminded that the City sticks to its priorities and clears routes in order of importance.

The amount of snow and cold weather in Penticton has been “a little rough” this winter, Environment Canada meteorologist Doug Lundquist said. However, the local weather patterns have still been within the range of a typical winter.

As warmer temperatures roll in over the next few days, he said patches of green may start to appear on the ground around the Okanagan.

“We’ll start to see snow melt in the lower levels,” Lundquist said. “The higher areas and some side streets will maybe still have freezing roads.”

Today, the City of Vernon also issued a press release about icy roads, warning drivers and pedestrians that while roads may appear to be wet, they could actually be icy. 

And to the south of Vernon on Highway 97, Drive B.C. is reported at 8:30 a.m. that northbound traffic is blocked and a detour is in effect.

To contact a reporter for this story, email Dan Walton or call 250-488-3065 or email the editor. You can also submit photos, videos or news tips to the newsroom and be entered to win a monthly prize draw.

We welcome your comments and opinions on our stories but play nice. We won't censor or delete comments unless they contain off-topic statements or links, unnecessary vulgarity, false facts, spam or obviously fake profiles. If you have any concerns about what you see in comments, email the editor in the link above.