The B.C. River Forecast Centre has issued a high streamflow advisory for various regions along B.C.’s coast, encompassing the south and north coasts, north and west Vancouver Island, and Haida Gwaii. This advisory indicates an expected rapid increase in river levels, with the possibility of minor flooding in low-lying areas, but no significant flooding is anticipated. The high streamflow advisory is the least severe of the agency’s three flood warning levels.
According to the forecast centre, a series of atmospheric rivers is forecasted to impact the B.C. coast over the upcoming weekend and into the following week. The weather conditions may bring prolonged periods of moderate to heavy rain, warmer temperatures, and additional runoff from rain-on-snow melt.
The most intense rainfall for the North Coast, Haida Gwaii, Central Coast, and Vancouver Island is predicted from Saturday to Sunday, while for the South Coast and Lower Mainland, it is expected from mid-day Sunday through Monday. Peak river levels are projected to occur during the weekend in northern regions and from Sunday to Monday on the Island and the South Coast.
Residents are advised to remain vigilant throughout the weekend and into Monday due to the potential for an increasing flood hazard resulting from the ongoing weather pattern.
Emergency Info B.C. has cautioned residents to steer clear of fast-flowing rivers and potentially unstable riverbanks during this period of heightened risk.
In parts of the North Coast, including Prince Rupert, and inland areas such as Kitimat and Terrace, Environment Canada has issued rain and wind warnings from Friday to Saturday. Rainfall amounts of 50 to 100 millimetres are expected, following snowfall of five to 10 centimetres in inland sections of Highway 16 and 37 and near Terrace.
An atmospheric river is causing significant rainfall over a 24 to 36-hour period in the North Coast, with a mix of snow and rain expected inland before transitioning to rain. Strong winds, reaching speeds of 80 to 100 km/h and up to 120 km/h on Friday afternoon and night, are forecasted for Haida Gwaii, the north and central coasts, and exposed coastal sections of North Vancouver Island. There is an elevated risk of power outages, and residents are urged to secure loose objects and avoid fallen power lines.
Heavy snowfall is anticipated inland on the North Coast, particularly in Stewart, with Environment Canada predicting a transition from snow to rain over the weekend.