Flood evacuations possible in northeastern B.C.

A flood watch and an evacuation alert have been issued for parts of northeastern B.C. because of concerns that heavy rain could cause more flooding in the Peace River area.

By 6 a.m. PT the storm had hit the region and high winds had knocked treesonto power lines,cuttingpower to more than 900 BC Hydro customers west of Dawson Creek, but their power was restored by 10:30 a.m.

At 9:45 a.m., the B.C. River Forecast Centre upgradedthe high streamflow advisory from Thursday toa flood watch for the central and southern Peace River regions.

"It is likely that smaller creeks and streams have started rising, with the larger rivers expected to rise later today and may approach bankfull conditions by tomorrow," said the notice.

"Rivers of highest concern are those in the southeast Peace including the Kiskatinaw and the Pouce Coupe rivers.

Residents told to prepare to leave

An evacuation alert has been issued by thePeace River Regional District for about 700 homes and officialssayresidents should be ready to leave at a moment's notice, especially in areas near waterways and steep hillsides.

"Residents will be given as much advance notice as possible prior to evacuation; however you may receive limited notice due to changing conditions. Please stay tuned to local media channels for information," says the alert.

The alert covers areas south of Dawson Creek, including the rural communities of Tupper, Gundy, One Island Lake, Kelly Lake and Tomslake.

Environment Canada issued a rainfall warning for both the north and south Peace River regions on Thursday.

"Current forecasts indicate that southern sections could see total amounts approaching 80 millimetres by early Saturday. Rain is forecast to continue on Saturday but is expected to be lighter with additional amounts near 10 millimetres," says the warning.

The B.C. River Forecast Centre has issued a High Streamflow Advisory for the central and southern Peace region because of the heavy rainfall forecast.

"Although most river systems in the Peace have dropped back down to the water levels prior to the flood event on June 25-28, soil conditions remain saturated and streams are expected to respond quickly to this additional precipitation," said the advisory.

"River levels in the region are expected to rise, with the potential for high flows from Friday into the weekend. The amount that rivers rise will depend on the amount and location of rainfall received," said the advisory.

Still recovering from previous flood

Just two weeks ago, torrential rains damaged over 200 homes and forced an extended closure of the main highway into the region.A state of emergency declared for some areas following that flooding remains in effect.

Moberly Lake resident Bea Gauthier said after the last rainfall, her road collapsed and neighbours had to rescue their belongings in a boat. Now, she fears another round of flooding.

"It's absolutely scary from what I seen from the last rain floods. Even the roads were washed away. It was very devastating to see all these people with the flood. They should be helped every which way. I feel so bad from these people," she said.