The village of Cache Creek has expanded an evacuation order to cover five properties as it continues to deal with flooding brought on by a rapid increase in temperatures.

In an update Tuesday night, the Village says the evacuation order – and the local state of emergency that was issued on Sunday – is meant to keep people in properties along the creek safe.

“Village staff are monitoring [Cache Creek] and the [Bonaparte River] around the clock as fluctuating water levels and debris from upstream continue to challenge culvert capacity,” the statement said.

Drive BC says Highway 97 in Cache Creek is closed in both directions due to flooding at Stephenson Road – near the intersection with the Trans-Canada. The highway will remain closed overnight with an update expected around 8 a.m. Wednesday morning.

Northbound traffic is being detoured via Highway 97C at Highway 1, while southbound traffic is being detoured via Highway 24 at Highway 97.

⛔CLOSED – #BCHwy97 – Flooding has the highway closed in BOTH directions at Stephenson road in #CacheCreekBC.
Assessment in progress. Detour is available.
Watch for crews and expect delays.
More info: https://t.co/N8xdOaM11v#ClintonBC #SavonaBC #AshcroftBC

— DriveBC (@DriveBC) May 3, 2023

Speaking on NL Newsday, Mayor John Ranta said that the initial property along Cache Creek that was put on evacuation order over the weekend had been “essentially wiped out” by flood waters.

“The debris is completely surrounded with debris from the river, the debris is up as high as the windows on that house,” Ranta said. “A trailer that was on the property has been knocked off its footing.”

Ranta also said the village is looking to find longer-term solutions to the flooding, noting it could mean installing a larger culvert under Quartz Road – which remains closed near the Fire Hall – or putting in a bridge.

Earlier in the day, the BC River Forecast Centre issued a Flood Warning for both Cache Creek and the Bonaparte River as well as the surrounding areas west of Kamloops.

“More rain in the forecast for later this week with rising temperatures increasing the risk of flood. We anticipate water levels in the river to rise over the coming days,” the Village statement added.

“All residents are advised to stay 10 feet back from the banks of both the Creek and the River. Keep children and pets from straying too close.”

Residents are also being told to prepare an overnight bag in case they need to evacuate on short order.

“Please be mindful of heavy equipment working at various points along the Creek,” the Village statement added. “We will have the Quartz Road intersection open as soon as we can.”