North Peace River to receive much-needed rainfall over weekend

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. – A heavy rainfall warning has been issued by Environment Canada for the North Peace River over the weekend.

Environment Canada issued the warning on June 14th, forecasting the low-pressure system would bring 40 to 50 millimetres of rainfall to the region and intermittent thunderstorms. 

Rain is expected to start falling by noon and continue throughout the weekend. On Saturday, June 15th, it is expected to lighten throughout the day. 

Meteorologist Chris Doyle said residents of the Fort St. John area should anticipate some localized flooding.

“This is a pretty conductive system, meaning that there could be brief periods of fairly high-intensity rainfall,” Doyle said.

Doyle explained that these periods of heavy rain are due to thunderstorms within the low-pressure system and that residents can expect to see lightning intermittently throughout the day and overnight on Friday, June 14th. 

“Any rainfall helps, of course. But if the forecasts verify properly and there’s around 40 milimetres of rainfall in the North Peace River area, then that’s going to be really welcome with respect to drought; it is going to make a dent,” Doyle said. 

Drivers are encouraged to drive safely and be aware of the possibility of pooling water, especially in residential areas.