Latest Updates on Flood-Related Alerts and Evacuations in the Northwest

A local state of emergency has been declared by the Regional District of Kitimat-Stikine and an evacuation order issued for Old Remo, New Remo, and Usk.

Localized flooding, stemming from the delayed snowmelt and precipitation, is impacting access to the communities, necessitating the order.

Residents of evacuated areas should head to the Emergency Operations Centre at the Thornhill Community Centre on Century Street, which can be reached at 250 641 2443.

All of the Regional District’s Area “C” is covered under the state of emergency, and Dutch Valley remains on evacuation alert.

Meanwhile, a Flood Watch, issued by the River Forecast Centre, remains in place in the Skeena and Liard water basins.

That alert covers the Skeena and Bulkley Rivers, as well as their tributaries near Terrace, Smithers, Telkwa, Hazelton, and Kispiox, as well as the Liard and its tributaries near Fort Nelson and Watson Lake.

Tributaries of the Stikine River near Dease Lake and Telegraph Creek remain under a High Streamflow Advisory.

River levels in the Skeena and Bulkley could hit as high as 20 year flood levels by mid-week, but should begin to steady afterwards.

Sandbags Available

In order to help residents better prepare for possible weekend flooding, sandbags are being made available to residents of the Terrace area.

In order to combat flood risks and damages, the City is partnering with the Regional District of Kitimat Stikine to make the sandbags available.

Hand-bagging is now available on a self-serve basis at the Terrace Public Works Yard on Graham Avenue, between 7:00 and 3:30 on weekdays.

Sand and burlap sacks will be on site, but residents are asked to bring their own shovels.

Due to issues with the machine clogging, the station at the vacant log area on the northwest corner of Keith and Kenney has been turned in to a handfilling site as well.

Sandbags and sand are also available at the Thornhill Fire Department between 8:30 and 4:30 on weekdays.

Those looking for sand or sandbags in the Smithers area should call 250 877 1183.