Winter weather continues across British Columbia today, as a prolonged atmospheric river has made landfall over the central coast, bringing a widespread mix of snow and rain.
In the Terrace and Kitimat areas, a Winter Storm Warning remains in effect, with forecasters warning specifically of heavy rain falling on top of the snow we got this weekend. 30 to 40cms of snow has fallen since mid-day Sunday, March 15th, with about 50 to 80mm of rain expected to fall on top of it throughout today and into tonight.
Authorities warn localized flooding is possible in the Terrace and Kitimat areas, with the BC River Forecast center issuing a high streamflow advisory ahead of the weather system last Friday, March 13th, and it remains in place this week. This advisory also includes rivers and steams north and east of New Aiyansh, as well as those around Stewart.
In the Fort Nelson area and along the Alaska Highway, A Snowfall Warning is in effect with 10 to 20cms expected north and west of Fort Nelson, particularly near Muncho Lake Park and Stone Mountain Park.
A Special Weather Statement for heavy snow is also in effect for Dease Lake with up to 20cms possible north and south of town along highway 37, with the heaviest snowfall between Iskut and Meziadin junction. Forecasters say the snow should taper off north of town later this afternoon.
Similar snowfall amounts of 10 to 20 cm are expected around Watson Lake and Lower Post, with the addition strong northeasterly winds gusting to 50km/h reducing visibility at times.
In Bella Bella and Bella Coola, conditions are more severe as they are closer to the atmospheric river’s path through the Province. The BC River Forecast Centre has issued a Flood Watch for the central coast as a result, as the perception is expected to continue tomorrow.
An Orange Winter Storm Warning is in effect for Bella Coola, where the major hazard is heavy rain falling on snow, similar to conditions in Terrace. 10 to 15 cm of snow has fallen locally since yesterday in Bella Coola, with 50 to 8mm of rain expected to fall on top of that today. The rain is also expected to pool up on top of snow before it melts, making local flooding risks more severe.
In Bella Bella, by far the most severe weather warning is in place, with an Orange Rainfall Warning in effect, with upwards of – 100 to 150 mm of total rain expected for valley communities, and 200 to 250mm for mountainous ones by Tuesday morning, March 17th.
Authorities warn that flood risks, including landslides and washouts, are the most severe along the Central Coast, and more so in Bella Bella than Bella Coola.
The storm system, referred to by meteorologists as a ‘prolonged atmospheric river’, is expected to dissipate by Wednesday, but flood risks from runoff will likely persist for sometime afterwards.
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