Atmospheric river set to soak parts of B.C., flooding possible

Rainfall warnings are in effect for the North and Central coasts, while the B.C. River Forecast Centre has issued a high streamflow advisory.

Published Oct 12, 2024  •  2 minute read

File photo of a rain-soaked street. Photo: Jason Payne. Photo by Jason Payne /PNG

Coastal B.C. residents are being urged to prepare for possible flooding as an atmospheric river is set to soak some areas with up to 250 millimetres of rain.

Environment and Climate Change Canada has issued rainfall warning for the North Coast and inland sections of B.C., including Stewart, Terrace, and Kitimat. High streamflow advisories are in effect for these areas and northern Vancouver Island.

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The federal weather agency warns that heavy downpours can cause flash floods and water pooling on roads, and that localized flooding in low-lying areas is possible. Rapidly rising rivers and creeks can sweep away bridges, culverts, buildings, and people. Landslides may occur in vulnerable areas such as steep slopes.

The B.C. River Forecast Centre has issued a high streamflow advisory for the North and Central Coast, with heavy rain expected to begin Saturday afternoon.

The centre says a stream of intense moisture will move south this weekend, eventually impacting Vancouver Island on Monday.

Residents of the North Coast can expect 100 to 150 mm of precipitation, with 250 mm or more over higher terrain.

The advisory also warns that already swollen rivers may rise rapidly following recent storms, and that saturated ground conditions and higher flows could amplify rivers.

Experts say the shallow snowpack levels at higher elevations may exacerbate the situation due additional water from the melting snowpack with higher freezing levels.

The River Forecast Centre predicts the Kitimat and Kemano regions may be the hardest hit during the storm, however the Prince Rupert, Bella Coola, Kingcome Inlet and northern Vancouver Island regions will also be affected.

The heavy rainfall may spill over the mountains into more inland watersheds like the Kitsumkalum River near Terrace and the Telkwa River near Smithers, which have experienced very high flows in the past month, the advisory says.

Fast-flowing rivers pose increased risk to life safety, and authorities urge people to stay away from these water bodies.

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