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Heavy rains increase flood risk for northeastern B.C.

Heavy rains increase flood risk for northeastern B.C.

Officials in B.C.'s northeast are warning that continued heavy rainfall could result in flooding.

The warning from the province's River Forecast Centre comes as areas around Fort St. John and Dawson Creek had up to 70 millimetres of rain overnight on Friday.

A further 25-50 mm is forecast for Saturday and Sunday.

Officials say all the water has caused a rapid rise in the Pine River and tributaries to levels like those seen in June of 2016.

That's when flooding forced 60 people to flee their homes in Dawson Creek as flood waters cut the community in half and washed out bridges.

Caribou Road Services Ltd., which helps maintain roads in region says three roads had water wash over them in Dawson Creek Friday night, but are being repaired.

The River Forecast Centre has a flood watch in place for the Pine River, which means levels are rising and could exceed banks.

Stay away from riverbanks

There is a high stream flow advisory for the Peace region around Fort St. John, including the Kiskatinaw River, Pouce Coupe River, Dawson Creek, and tributaries.

That means rivers are rising or expected to rise rapidly, but that no major flooding is expected.

The forecast centre is warning the public to stay away from rivers and unstable riverbanks during this time.