'Get prepared:' B.C. communities brace for heavy rain, flooding as third atmospheric river set to hit

A provincial state of emergency has been extended in B.C. as communities brace for another atmospheric river forecast to hit the province's southwest region.

Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday, Mike Farnworth said the coastal and southwest regions of the province are forecast to receive “heavy rainfall” over the next 48 hours.

“Late today, we are expecting a significant storm forecast to last into Wednesday afternoon,” he told reporters. “In some areas such as the central coast, this could be the most intense storm yet.”

He said the province has already mobilized assets in the Bella Coola Valley in preparation.

Farnworth said in southwest B.C., Environment and Climate Change Canada is warning of extreme rainfall that may worsen existing flooding in the area, or create new flooding.