Environment Canada, River Forecast Centre warn of possible extreme weather in Peace region

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — North Peace region residents are being urged to prepare for several different kinds of potential extreme weather conditions.

Environment Canada has issued a severe thunderstorm watch for the area, saying conditions are favorable for the development of severe storms that could cause “damaging wind gusts, damaging hail and torrential rain.”

The agency also says a special air quality statement is in effect due to smoke from nearby wildfires, as well as a heat warning due to increased temperatures in the area.

Environment Canada’s latest thunderstorm outlook report also indicates there’s a risk for tornados in some areas between Fort St. John and Dawson Creek.

The BC River Forecast Centre has also issued a Flood Watch for the Northwest tributaries and the Stikine, Liard, and Peace River areas, meaning water levels in those areas are rising significantly.

“River levels are rising and will approach or may exceed bankfull,” the River Forecast Centre’s website explains. “Flooding of areas adjacent to affected rivers may occur.”

Residents are urged to avoid flowing water and riverbanks, drink lots of water to reduce the health impacts of the heat, keep their windows closed to avoid inhaling smoke, and stay indoors to avoid thunderstorms.

According to Environment Canada, the risk for thunderstorms is expected to continue until roughly 9:00 a.m. in Fort St. John. 

Temperatures are expected to drop over the course of Monday night and Tuesday morning, leading to daytime highs on Tuesday in the low 20s.