Flood warning issued for B.C.'s North Coast as heavy rainfall continues

B.C.'sRiver Forecast Centre has issued a flood warning for a stretch of the North Coast that has been soaked with heavy rain since Wednesday as an atmospheric river moves through the region.

An advisory from the centre says rivers around numerous communities, including Stewart, Terrace,PrinceRupertand Kitimat, have been rising rapidly, and that they may reach levels only expected every 20 years in some areas on Thursday.

The worst of it will likely be in rivers and tributaries around Kitimat, according to the centre, but similar conditions can be expected to the north, in Terrace,PrinceRupertand Nass River tributaries, as well as south to Kemano and the surrounding areas.

• See a map of the impacted area

The centre says fast-flowing rivers pose increased safety risks and people should stay away from the water and potentially unstable riverbanks.

A heavy rainfall warning remains in effect for the region through to Friday morning.

Environment Canada says about 60 millimetres of rain hasalready fallen since Wednesday and a further 50 to 70 millimetresis expected.

The regional district of Kitimate-Stikine has released a joint hazard notice with the Ktsumklaum Band and Kitselas First Nation, urging people to stay away from the water and be prepared for changing conditions.