Flood Concerns Grow on British Columbia’s North Shore as Another Atmospheric River Advances | The Canadian News

Just days after southern British Columbia was devastated by a historic atmospheric river, new warnings about potential flooding were issued for parts of the north coast.

Environment Canada has issued a Winter Storm Warning for the interior regions of the north coast, including Stewart.

This region has received a significant amount of snow lately and up to 10 inches is expected Friday night and Saturday.

The flood threat comes Sunday as the sixth atmospheric river of the season in British Columbia is forecast to hit the region.

This powerful system will bring heavy rains and mild temperatures through Monday. This will cause freezing levels to skyrocket to 1,000 meters while the region is battered by rain.

Snow on the ground and lower mountains could melt quickly.

The term “snow eater” has been used to describe this type of scenario, and the resulting flooding can be rapid and devastating, as southern British Columbia now knows all too well.

According to Environment Canada, the snow “will melt as the rain system arrives and the drainage systems could be blocked or bypassed.”

“There could be localized or perhaps generalized flooding. Landslides could occur, ”added the national meteorological agency.

Meanwhile, a high flow warning it has been issued for the areas closest to the coast.

The BC River Forecast Center issued the advisory for the “north coast, including Haida Gwaii and areas around Prince Rupert, Kitimat, Hartley Bay, Kemano and surrounding areas.”

According to Environment Canada, these areas could experience between 100 and 150 millimeters of rain over the weekend.

However, the BC River Forecast Center expects even more: 200-300 millimeters through Monday.

“The rivers are expected to rise rapidly overnight on Saturday and into Sunday,” the center warns.

“No floods are anticipated at this time, however forecasts and conditions can change rapidly.”