More rain expected; Flooding all over the Peace

Video:  Just one of a number of rivers in the Peace Region residents should stay away from.  This video from from Pouce Coupe Friday night.

A heavy rain fall warning continues for the B.C. Peace region and the area could see another 25 to 45 mm of rain by the end of Saturday.

Environment Canada says the region could see another 15 to 25 mm overnight Friday and another 10 to 20 mm on Saturday. The heaviest rain is expected near the Rocky Mountains and near any thunderstorms.

The rain should taper off Saturday evening as the band of precipitation drifts to the south.

With the rain comes a flood warning for the Peace River region. The province issued the warning Friday afternoon after some areas in the Peace received up to 80 mm of rain.

A number of roads in the Peace have possible flooding.  Here is a list of roads affected in the Peace:

-Cecil Lake Road – As of Friday night, the road was down to single-lane alternating traffic after a rock slide at the east end of the valley.
-South Taylor Hill – a portion of the hill is covered with water
-Braden Road – 10 km north of Highway 97 south, the Braden Road has been washed out and motorists should expect long delays in the area
-Highway 2 – as of Friday night, expect delays near the Alberta border after water has pooled on the highway.
-Highway 52 – as of Friday night, there are several spots on Highway 52 where you can expect pools of water.
-Highway 97 & 237 rd – as of Friday night, pools of water are causing delays at the intersection of both roads.
-Highway 97 south – 1 km south of the Braden Road
-Highway 97 south – between McLeod and Groundbirch
-Dangerous Goods Route in Dawson Creek – south of the 208 road

The Province is reminding Peace residents to take care when standing or walking along riverbanks that may be unnoticeably eroded and can become unstable and give way.

Watch for warning signs: increased height and intensity of water flows, mudslides, debris in creeks, colour changes in water, and/or leaning trees. Backcountry users and workers who camp or use roadways near water are also asked to be vigilant for their safety.

Residents in the affected areas should take preventative measures by:

* Organizing individual and family emergency kits that contain important documents, prescription medication, a first aid kit and other personal essentials.
* Crafting an evacuation plan which ensures safe exit and notification to emergency contacts, arrangements for pets and important safety measures like unplugging appliances and shutting off electrical power and natural gas sources.
* Planning for the potential relocation needs of livestock in low-lying areas.
* Checking perimeter drains around the property, ensuring they are clear of debris, as well as moving any chemicals or contaminants from basements or sheds that could spill or seep.

The Ministry of Transportation is asking Peace residents to notify local authorities if they spot any other issues on the roads. In the South Peace, call 1-800-667-2322 and in the North Peace call 1-888-883-6688.

If you spot anything in the Peace region, let us know by emailing contact@energeticcity-beta.mystagingwebsite.com. If you have any photos of the weather in your area, from river levels to a shot of all the water in your backyard, email the address above.