People encouraged to prepare for potential flooding

The Government of B.C. is helping communities prepare for flooding and is ready to assist in response to floods where necessary.

When fall rains return after prolonged dry weather, or drought, the River Forecast Centre monitors conditions closely. Dry soils can increase runoff and river flows, but the ground quickly starts to absorb water again in response to typical fall storms each year. As a result, the transition to moderate rainfall patterns does not normally cause extensive flooding. However, people living near streams and rivers that have flooded in previous fall seasons are encouraged to monitor weather and river conditions in their area closely during this transition.

While atmospheric rivers are common during the fall and winter storm season, extreme weather similar to mid-November 2021 are rare. However, flooding is a common, naturally occurring event in B.C.