Terrace received significant amounts of rain last week when 115 millimeters of rain fell between Oct. 22 and Oct. 24. A soaking that quickly escalated flood concerns across the Northwest and temporarily disrupted travel in parts of the community.
According to Environment Canada, the rain began on Oct. 22, measuring 18.1 millimeters falling across the region. The next day delivered the strongest blow, with 89.2 millimeters recorded on Oct. 23 alone. Things started to slow down slightly when 7.7 millimeters fell on Oct. 24, bringing an end to the atmospheric that blew through the Terrace area.
Early on Oct. 23, a flood watch came from the B.C. River Forecast Center, warning that Skeena River tributaries near Terrace were rising quickly. But only a few hours later, with water coming in, the alert escalated to a flood warning that same day.
The warning extended to the Skeena, Kitimat, and Kemano rivers, each having either reached or expected to reach bankfull levels, posing a risk to low-lying areas with flooding.
Road conditions also deteriorated as clogged drains and heavy runoff caused water to pour onto local roads. Some roads were temporarily closed or adjusted as crews dealt with overflow.
Officials urged residents to avoid fast-moving waterways and never drive across flooded roads or crossings.
The Regional District of Kitimat-Stikine continues to warn residents to clear drains and be prepared as the wet weather season continues.
