Atmospheric river headed to parts of BC coast this weekend

People living in parts of B.C.’s coastal regions may be in for soggy Thanksgiving weekend.

The BC River Forecast Centre says an atmospheric river system is headed toward the North and Central Coast this weekend and it has issued a high streamflow advisory for several areas.

“Precipitation from the storm is expected to arrive on the North Coast beginning Saturday morning,” the centre said in its advisory.

“The stream of intense moisture will move south through the weekend, eventually impacting Vancouver Island on Monday.”

Parts of the North Coast can expect between 100 and 150 millimetres of precipitation, with the potential for 250 mm in higher terrain, according to the advisory.

Specific areas covered by the advisory include tributaries around Stewart, Bella Coola, Terrace, and Smithers, Port Hardy, and Port Alice.

As well, the centre says it has issued a flood watch, which is issued when river levels are rising and may exceed bankfull, for the Kitimat and Kemano River areas.

“Based on the current weather forecast, the River Forecast Centre’s hydrological models predict the Kitimat and Kemano regions may see the greatest impact from the upcoming storm with
flows possibly reaching a 5-year return period or higher,” it said.

“Rises are also expected near Prince Rupert and tributaries up the Nass River, the Bella Coola Region, Kingcome Inlet and northern Vancouver Island.”