Evacuation Alerts Expanded

By 250 News

Workers start piling sandbags around a business on River Road in Prince George

Prince George, B.C. – As the Nechako River continues to spill over its banks, the evacuation alerts have been expanded . The  area under the  evacuation alert now extends  along the Nechako from  the Fraser River through the  area near the Delhaven condo complex west of Howies Marine.  The alert  released by the City  outlines the following  areas:

This EVACUATION ALERT is a notification of the POTENTIAL danger which might arise due to flooding in your area. The reason evacuation alerts are issued is to notify residents of the potential for loss of life from unstable river conditions. It would be prudent for residents to prepare to leave this area with very short notice.

This alert may be followed by an immediate order to evacuate, with more updated information on the condition, and when an evacuation order is issued you must leave your home immediately.

In the event that this EVACUATION ALERT is followed by an EVACUATION ORDER, a telephone number will be provided for you to call in the event that you need transportation from the area.

The Reception Centre location will be identified on the evacuation order.

Ministry of Environment  flow expert Lyle Larson says  while the  forecast is for  milder weather, there is still  a great deal of ice  coming down the Nechako.  He says  it is possible the water may  find a path to  push its way through, but  milder temperatures may also just  push up lots more slush.

Businesses along River Road in Prince George, were busy sandbagging and moving  goods to higher ground this morning as the Nechako River  topped its banks around midnight last night.

The overnight flood forced the evacuation of 4 homes on River Road, and the rescue of City Councillor Murry Krause on Pulp Mill Road on the north side of the river.  ( The photo at right shows Krause’s home has become an island )

Water was three feet deep outside his door.  City Crews brought in a grader to move through the lake that had formed around the home, and  rescue Krause and his partner , bringing them both to higher ground.

Sump pumps are working over time at the Winton Global offices, as that building is in a low spot and water is pouring into the basement.

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