British Columbians are urged to take steps to prepare for spring floods to protect their families and property as warming has increased the risk of spring flooding in the province.
A warming trend this week is increasing temperatures to the highest level of the season with the possibility of moderate to heavy rainfall forecast for the weekend.
The risk of spring flooding is elevated across B.C., particularly in parts of the Interior and the North, due to a significant delay of snowmelt from cooler-than-normal conditions in April and May.
Current modelling indicates the risk that flood conditions may emerge over the weekend within watersheds through the Interior and northwest of B.C. British Columbians are urged to follow all directions of local authorities and take steps to prepare for the possibility of flooding.
The most severe floods in spring and early summer typically occur due to melting snow, rain or a combination of both. Floods can also be caused by storm surges, ice jams or damage to structures like dikes or dams.
Details about preparing for floods is available in the PreparedBC Flood Preparedness Guide, which contains useful information to help British Columbians understand what to do if their home or community is at risk of flooding.