Severe Rainfall in British Columbia Causes Highway Closures and Flooding
The north coast of British Columbia has been hit by a deluge of heavy rain, with some areas receiving over 200 millimetres of rain. This intense downpour has led to the closure of key highways, disrupting road access to Prince Rupert and surrounding communities.
Highway 16, which connects Prince Rupert to towns like Terrace, has been impassable in both directions due to widespread flooding, according to the B.C. Ministry of Transportation’s DriveBC system. The relentless rain, which reached 203 millimetres in Prince Rupert alone, has resulted in weather warnings and flood alerts across the region.
Other areas along the north coast, such as Green Island Lighthouse and Haida Gwaii, have also experienced significant rainfall, causing disruptions and road closures. In particular, a section of Highway 16 near Skidegate on Haida Gwaii has been washed out, cutting off access between communities.
As the rain continues, Environment Canada has issued a rainfall warning for Kitimat and nearby regions, with the total precipitation over the last few days expected to exceed 120 millimetres. Kitimat has already received 95 millimetres of rain, with more expected as the persistent Pacific frontal system lingers over the area.
The B.C. River Forecast Centre has issued a flood watch for the north coast sub-basin and Haida Gwaii, highlighting the risks of road washouts and landslides in these vulnerable areas.