Residents can expect the Nicola River level to creep up, which may result in increased seepage to low lying areas, warns the City of Merritt.

A city media release issued Tuesday says the rivers are rising due to the current weather trend coupled with the inflows of Nicola Lake exceeding its outflow, according to the Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resources.

“At present, the Ministry suggests that flows will still be within the channel banks of the Nicola River and therefore we do not anticipate any over-bank flooding within the City,” said fire chief Dave Tomkinson in the release.

Residents living adjacent to the Nicola River may experience infiltration into pipes and basements as a result of groundwater seepage. Tomkinson says unforeseen weather conditions  may result in some localized flooding in the city requiring proactive flood protection along the river; however, he said the city is monitoring water levels daily.

Residents living along the river should be alert for potentially damaging flows or obstructions, which should be reported to city hall at 250-378-4224.