The B.C. River Forecast Centre has issued a High Streamflow Advisory for the North and Central Coasts as another storm system approaches.
Communities including Terrace, Kitimat, Stewart, Prince Rupert, Bella Coola, and Rivers Inlet can expect heavy rainfall beginning late Thursday, with the heaviest amounts falling Friday into Saturday. Forecasts suggest some areas could receive between 50 and 100 millimetres of rain.
Rivers across the region are already running higher than normal due to recent storms, and soils are saturated. This means even moderate amounts of rain could trigger a rapid rise in water levels, particularly in smaller, ungauged streams that react quickly and unpredictably.
Peak river flows are expected sometime between Saturday and Sunday. Residents are advised to use caution near rivers and streams, and to prepare for potential minor flooding in low-lying areas.
The advisory also comes with a warning: job action by provincial employees is impacting access to critical forecasting systems. As a result, the accuracy of current predictions may be affected, and conditions could change quickly.
The River Forecast Centre continues to monitor the situation and will issue updates as needed. For flood preparedness tips, visit PreparedBC.
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