BC Hydro has issued a public safety advisory to stay away from the Puntledge River until Jan. 3.

Water inflows from the recent wet weather have slowly increased the Comox Lake Reservoir water level.

As the rain continues to hit the Comox Valley area throughout the week, there is much uncertainty as to how the storm systems may track.

鈥淲e (lowered) the reservoir water level starting on Dec. 22鈥� so we have full flood risk management flexibility,鈥� said Stephen Watson, BC Hydro advisor. 鈥淲e want to be able to hold back water behind the dam and absorb most of the inflows at key times should the storm be stronger than forecasted.鈥�

Depending on the strength of the storm, the flows may be dangerous through Jan. 3. If the rainfall is lower than anticipated, the river flow will be back to normal and the safety signage will come down before the end of the public safety advisory.

The Puntledge River siren advisory system could be heard throughout the Courtenay area on the morning of Dec. 27.

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