Atmospheric rivers flood parts of British Columbia as storm season begins

A series of atmospheric rivers have moved along the northern and central coasts of British Columbia and spread inland.

The River Forecast Center has issued high flow advisories and several flood watches across the province, as well as an upper level flood warning for the Telkwa River in northwestern British Columbia.

The center says the river east of Terrace peaked Tuesday, recording flow levels between a 20- and 50-year return period, while most other coastal rivers had reached peak levels typically seen every one to five years.

The forecaster says moderate to heavy rain had begun to spread inland, where a flood watch is in effect for the North Thompson region, including tributaries around Clearwater.

Wednesday’s bulletin says no major flooding is expected inland, but heavy rain could worsen runoff from wildfire-ravaged areas.

The lower level flow advisories cover the Cariboo region, including the headwaters of the Quesnel River, as well as the South Thompson, Upper Fraser, and Upper Columbia Rivers and their surrounding areas.

Meanwhile, Environment Canada has issued a series of wind warnings and special weather statements across much of the province.

The Met Office says many areas in the southern hinterland and southeast are expected to experience strong winds and heavy downpours until Wednesday night.

Another bulletin says that an intense low pressure system (the remnants of Typhoon Pulasan) will also bring strong winds to the coast on Thursday.

Winds are expected to reach speeds of 90 km/h with gusts up to 120 km/h on exposed coastal sections of northern Vancouver Island, Haida Gwaii and the Central Coast.

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