Residents in northern B.C. are being evacuated as flooding takes over the area.
@daybreaknorth #ydq 8th Street flooding pic.twitter.com/0BYt2rKcn7
— Craig Hartel (@NuclearMoose) June 16, 2016
Photo Credit: Craig Hartel.
The BC River Forecast Centre has upgraded the Flood Watch to a Flood Warning for the Peace Region including streams near Pine Pass, Chetwynd, Tumbler Ridge, Dawson Creek and Fort St. John.
Photo Credit: Craig Hartel.
The BC River Forecast Centre is maintaining a Flood Watch for Fort Nelson and the rest of northeast BC.
Photo Credit: Craig Hartel.
Rainfall from Alberta has caused rapid increases in water levels in streams overnight, with levels now ranging from 30 to 105 millimeters.
Photo Credit: Craig Hartel.
Environment Canada has issued a rainfall warning for the South Peace River region.
Photo Credit: Craig Hartel.
Dawson Creek Mayor Dale Bumstead has taken to Facebook to update residents.
Photo Credit: Craig Hartel.
“We are in a very serious situation this morning in our city,” he posted late on Thursday morning. “The north side of town and south side are now separated and no way to connect easily.
Photo Credit: Craig Hartel.
“The water on 8th street is crossing the road and the culverts appear plugged so likely it may wash out as well which will completely cut off our city from south to north.”
The dangerous goods route is reportedly the only road open connecting the two sides of town, and is being used by BC ambulance to transport people on the north side to the hospital.
Photo Credit: Craig Hartel.
According to Bumstead, about 36 homes have been evacuated. The city transit system is not operating and all the schools are closed.
Photos used with permission from photographer Craig Hartel.
