Prince George flooding triggers local state of emergency

The City of Prince George has once again declared a local state of emergency after the rapidly rising Fraser River reached flood level Monday morning.

Spokesperson Chris Bone says the state of emergency includes the area of Farrell Street and Paddlewheel Parkthe same area that was affected two weeks ago.

"As well, it has been extended to include some other areas, such as P.G. Pulp Mill Road and River Road," said Bone.

Evacuation orders are being issued for 17 homes on Farrell Street, and one on Regents Crescent.

The Fraser River is forecast to hit a 40-year high in Prince George on Tuesday or Wednesday, according to B.C.'s River Forecast Centre.

Levels this high haven't been seen in Prince George since 1972, and could reach record levels, according to forecaster David Campbell.

"In terms of historic perspective, it has been quite some time since we have seen flows like that," said Campbell earlier on Monday morning.

Meanwhile, the City of Chilliwack issued an evacuation alert Monday afternoon for properties located outside thecity's dyke system.

City official say residents should be prepared to leave on short notice.

Ongoing daily dyke patrols are being conducted.

A flood warning was also issued for the Fraser River from Quesnel to Fraser Canyon, and one remains in place for the Shuswap River downstream of Mabel Lake (near Enderby).

Flood watches have also beenissued for:

• Shuswap River upstream of Mabel Lake (near Lumby).
• North Thompson River and tributaries.
• South Thompson River and Shuswap Lake and tributaries (including Eagle River).
• Cariboo region (including the Quesnel River and Horsefly River).

High streamflow advisories have been issued for:

• Lower Fraser River
• Nechako River near Prince George.
• Skeena and tributaries (including Bulkley River).
• Upper Columbia River and tributaries.
• Okanagan (including NorthOkanagan and Mission Creek).Bella Coola River.

The wet weather isimpacting roads throughout the provincetoo.

There's been a mudslide on Highway 16, seven kilometres west of junction with Highway 5 in Tte Jaune Cache. Drive BC saysthe roadhasbeen reduced to a single lane ofalternating traffic.

River ferries at Big Bar, Little Fort, Lytton, McLure and Usk have all been closed because of high water.