The Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK) has issued an evacuation order for nearly the entire region due to flooding.

“This is an unprecedented alert due to an extreme storm cell developing over the next 12 hours and following significant spring meltwater,” RDCK officials warned in a statement on their website.

“We are advising everyone that lives near a river, creek or stream to be prepared to evacuate if required on short notice. This situation can change quickly, depending on the weather over the next 12-48 hours.”

CBC News reported that nearly every city in the district was issued an evacuation order except for Castlegar and Nelson.

Properties in the Duhamel Creek area and Crawford Bay were ordered to evacuate just yesterday. CTV News said that the order affects some 220 properties.

On Saturday, an evacuation alert was issued for 2,300 people due to potential flooding in BC’s Southern Interior along the Kettle River watershed.

The Slocan River, Salmo River, and other nearby tributaries were also placed on flood watch as water levels continued to climb.