Several highways on B.C.’s North Coast have reopened after being closed due to flooding 

December 31,2025

RED FM News Desk

Heavy rainfall — more than 200 millimetres in some areas — hammered B.C.’s north coast, closing highways and cutting off the main road into Prince Rupert. 

DriveBC reported that Highway 16, which connects Prince Rupert to eastern communities such as Terrace, was shut down Tuesday because of flooding. The highway has since reopened, but officials are warning about lingering water on the road and urging drivers to be cautious. 

Environment Canada said Prince Rupert saw 203 millimetres of rain as a stalled weather system triggered warnings and flood watches. Green Island Lighthouse recorded 180 millimetres, and one station in Haida Gwaii measured 148 millimetres. 

A section of Highway 16 on Haida Gwaii north of Skidegate was washed out, closing the route to Masset. However, the Haida Nation said Tuesday evening that the stretch between Skidegate and Tlell had reopened to single-lane traffic. 

Environment Canada has since lifted the rainfall warning for Kitimat and nearby areas, but the B.C. River Forecast Centre still has a flood watch in place for the north coast and Haida Gwaii, warning about potential road washouts and landslide risks.