Type(s)
News Release
Due to changing temperatures in our area, a flood watch has been issued for the North Coast. The City has been aware of the anticipated temperature change and has been doing our best to prepare through clearing of snow from roads and catch basins (sewer grates). We encourage residents to do the same in your neighbourhood to prevent localized flooding just in case we have missed your area, or give us a call to let us know if there is an area that needs attention via (250) 624 3000. Crews are out in full force, but every little bit helps if you are able to help and it will prevent the accumulation of water and ice that may otherwise impact your property. Don't know where your catch basin is located and can't see it if it's under snow? Check out Google maps to help locate it.
In addition, we know that the freeze and thaw cycle usually leads to additional water main breaks, so note that service levels may be impacted if crews are pulled to respond to emergency breaks.
Finally, thawing can lead to the accumulation of ice on sidewalks and roadways, so please be sure to drive to current conditions.
We appreciate everyone's patience and understanding over the next few days as we respond to current weather conditions.
See below for the original notice from Environment Canada 
Flood Watch – Haida Gwaii, North Coast (outer coastal areas)
Issued: 9:30 AM December 27, 2025
The River Forecast Centre is issuing a Flood Watch for:
Haida Gwaii
North Coast (outer coastal areas)
Weather Synopsis:
A weather system is expected to enter into the north coast of British Columbia and Alaska on Sunday, bringing heavy rain and rising temperatures. Environment and Climate Change Canada has issued rainfall warnings for the North Coast – coastal sections, and winter storm warnings for inland coastal areas. Weather modelling is indicating the potential for localized rainfall amounts of 100-150mm, or higher, from Sunday through Monday. Temperatures are forecast to rise to 6-9°C in outer coast areas near sea level, and freezing levels around 2000m. Strong temperature gradients are anticipated moving from coastal to inland areas, with temperatures on Monday forecast to be 7-9°C in Prince Rupert and 1°C in Kitimat and Terrace.
River Conditions:
Localized high flows are expected due to heavy rainfall rates and rain-on-snow melt runoff in outer coastal areas near Prince Rupert and on Haida Gwaii. Hazards include swiftwater, road washouts and increased potential of landslide activity. High flows are anticipated through the storm on Sunday and Monday.
Cooler temperatures and lower amounts of precipitation in more inland areas, including Kitimat, Terrace and the Nass Valley, are indicating that high flows are less likely in these areas, with hazards being more weather related to wintery storm conditions.
The River Forecast Centre continues to monitor the conditions and will provide updates as conditions warrant.
For information on how to prepare for flood hazards, visit PreparedBC. https://www2.gov.bc.ca/.../preparedbc/guides-and-resources
BC River Forecast Centre
Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship
A High Streamflow Advisory means that river levels are rising or expected to rise rapidly, but that no major flooding is expected. Fast-flowing bodies of water increase risk to life safety. Minor flooding in low-lying areas is possible.
A Flood Watch means that river levels are rising and will approach or may exceed bankfull. Flooding of areas adjacent to affected rivers may occur.
A Flood Warning means that river levels have exceeded bankfull or will exceed bankfull imminently, and that flooding of areas adjacent to the rivers affected will result.