The BC River Forecast Centre has upgraded a flood watch to a flood warning for the Bulkley River near Smithers and Houston.
Residents are asked to avoid the Bulkley River, maintaining a 15 foot distance at all times due to hightened water levels.
The town says there is some light flooding around the end of Main Street in the Riverside area and the Fall Fair Grounds have been closed due to some low-level flooding.
Fire Chief Keith Stecko says the Bulkley is running quite high and very aggressive. He’s urging people to be extremely cautious.
Stecko says public safety is their first priority. The Town of Smithers has made sand and sandbags available to residents who have requested them.
Smithers Chief Administrative Officer Anne Yanciw is asking residents to give emergency response crews plenty of space.
The rapid spring snow melt and recent rain have combined to cause the River Forecast Centre to issue numerous warnings and advisories throughout the region.
Flood watches are being maintained for the Nazko and West Road Rivers, while high streamflow advisories are still in place for the Peace, Prince George area, and the Nechako.
