Prince George, B.C. –  The River Forecast Centre has now issued a flood watch  for  communities  around the Bulkley River  and  in the  Peace  region.

The  rain is expected to continue  through  to Sunday  with the potential  of heavy downpours this evening in both areas.

Rivers in both regions  are expected to respond to the combined rainfall and snowmelt, with rising flows extending into Saturday or Sunday. The River Forecast Centre’s current modelling  indicates the potential for flows on the Bulkley River near Smithers to reach up to 800-1000 m3/s, or approximately a 10-year return period flow. Some flooding can occur at these levels. Similar conditions are expected in local creeks and rivers in the Bulkley  River area,  as well as  the Peace Region.