PRINCE GEORGE, B.C. – A number of roads in northern British Columbia have been closed after heavy rain caused washouts and localized flooding on Monday.

Environment Canada said the ground in the area isn't able to absorb further rainfall because it was already near the saturation point.

Communities in the north Peace had received between 30 and 80 millimetres of rainfall by Monday morning.

Environment Canada said the highest amounts were observed near the Rockies over communities like Hudson Hope.

A further 15 to 20 millimetres was forecast before the rain is expected to end.

The River Forecast Centre issued a high streamflow advisory for a large swath of eastern B.C. from the Yukon boundary all the way south to the border with the United States.

The advisory means minor flooding in low-lying areas was possible.

The provincial government's road advisory system listed several roads that were affected by the rain, including some that were washed out and others where water was pooling.

Dawson Creek was offering free sandbags to residents to help with flooding and advising people to stay away from high water.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published on June 15, 2020.