Environment Canada has issued a Special Weather Statement for Prince George and Quesnel beginning tonight and ending Thursday…

Heavy rain for the Central Interior tonight, Wednesday and Thursday.

Current guidance suggests 20 to 40 mm of rain is possible through Thursday, with the higher rainfall amounts expected over the mountains. However, there remains some uncertainty about just how much rain will fall during this prolonged event. In addition to the widespread synoptic rain, thunderstorms will have the potential of adding 15-25 mm over short periods.

A low pressure system developing over Southern Alberta today will intensify as it moves northward into Northern Alberta by Wednesday evening. The system will funnel rain across the central interior.

Showers will transition into rain, heavy at times, tonight or Wednesday morning. The rain will taper off on Thursday morning, but showers are likely Thursday afternoon. 

There is also significant concern for moderate rain and flows in the Quesnel River (Cariboo Mountains), the North Thompson (Blue River/Clearwater region), and South Thompson (Shuswap). Although the rainfall amounts may not be exceptionally heavy, the severity of this event pertains to the resulting rising rivers.

Rainfall warnings may be issued as the system further develops and confidence in rainfall amounts increases.

Please continue to monitor alerts and forecasts issued by Environment Canada. To report severe weather, send an email to BCstorm@canada.ca or tweet reports using #BCStorm.