Several communities in BC at risk of flooding issued evacuation signals later this week.
According to EmergencyInfoBC, evacuation signals were issued on Thursday from the town of Smithers, the Bulkley-Nechaco district and the Kitimate-Stickine district.
The evacuation signals came after the River Forecast Center issued high-flow warnings covering parts of southern inland British Columbia as warming weather caused snow to melt and rising waters. Such councils remained in force in parts of the northern part of BC
The forecast center said a low-pressure system is expected to lead to unstable weather and moderate to heavy rainfall in the interior from Friday. He also said the current modeling shows the potential for high flows and possible flooding over the weekend, with some uncertainty about how much rain will fall.
In the Smithers area, the flood warning was improved to monitor flooding for the Bulkley River. As a result, the city issued an evacuation warning on Thursday afternoon due to “potential danger to life and health” for the areas of Riverside Drive, Riverside Park Campground and Smithers Fall Fair.
“An evacuation warning has been issued to prepare you to evacuate your premises or property if necessary,” a city statement said.
“Residents will receive as much prior notice as possible before the evacuation, but may receive limited notice due to changing conditions.”
On the other side of the Smithers River, a warning was also issued for the Ebenezer Flats area on Thursday.
The signals issued by the Kitimat-Stikine regional district covered Novo Remo, Staro Remo, the Dutch Valley and Usk.
Officials explained that the signals did not mean residents should leave their homes now, but should prepare for a possible evacuation order. If there is a signal, people living in the affected area must collect basic items such as medicines, valuable documents and the need for immediate care in a bag to grab and go.
Residents should also contact family members, choose a meeting place and arrange to stay with friends or family if possible and if necessary. Those in the area must also prepare to transport all members of the household and fill the gas tanks.
The updates will be published on the EmergencyInfoBC website.
In addition to information circulating online and in person, officials announced last month that the Alert Ready system, previously used for tsunami threats and Amber Alerts, was expanding. This spring and summer, residents affected by imminent threats of disasters such as floods, forest fires or extreme heat can receive an emergency warning on their mobile phones.
With files from The Canadian Press
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