UPDATE: This warning has been downgraded and is no longer in effect
Two days ago the River Forecast Centre put out a flood watch for the North Coast ,including the Nass River and tributaries around Stewart, Terrace (including Kitsumkalum), Ging̱ olx, Laxg̱̱ altsʼap, Gitlaxt'aamiks (New Aiyansh) , Prince Rupert, Kitimat, Kemano and other coastal communities
Today, that watch was upgraded to a warning. A Flood Watch means that river levels are rising and will approach or may exceed bankfull, and that flooding of areas adjacent to affected rivers may occur. In contrast, a Flood Warning means that river levels have exceeded bankfull or will exceed bankfull imminently, and that flooding of areas adjacent to the rivers affected will result.
The Forecast Centre says an atmospheric river is impacting the area, with on-going rainfall expected to continue until tapering off Friday. In addition they say temperatures have risen over the course of the past day, with snowmelt at higher elevations adding additional runoff to rivers.
Rivers are said to have been rapidly rising since Wednesday. Reportedly current flow conditions around Kitimat, Terrace, New Aiyansh and surrounding areas have been elevated, with flows in 2-year to 10-year flow range. Additional rises through Thursday are possible, with hydrologic forecasting highlighting the potential for flows to reach or exceed the 20-year flow in areas later on Thursday.
The River Forecast Centre warns that fast-flowing rivers pose increase risk to safety. For information on how to prepare for flood hazards, visit PreparedBC emergency guides adn resources.
