Environment Canada has issued a warning about an incoming atmospheric river targeting the southern coast of British Columbia this weekend, while heavy rain persists in the north coast. The main impact of this weather system is anticipated to hit the Metro Vancouver area on Sunday, bringing periods of intense rainfall. Rainfall amounts of 75 to 125 mm are forecasted to occur before easing by Monday night, with even higher levels possible in the North Shore Mountains.
Drivers are cautioned as water accumulation on roads and potential landslides in vulnerable areas, such as steep slopes and deforested regions, may cause delays. A separate weather system is expected to bring up to 100 mm of rain along the north coast following the previous system’s passage.
Residents are also warned of the likelihood of utility outages due to additional heavy rain from the incoming front system on Sunday. The Ministry of Water, Land, and Resource Stewardship has issued a flood watch for north and west Vancouver Island, Sunshine Coast, Howe Sound, and the North Shore Mountains, citing the possibility of prolonged periods of moderate to heavy rain, warmer temperatures, and runoff from rain-on-snow melt.
Temperatures are set to rise over the weekend and into the following week, potentially leading to significant snowmelt on Sunday and Monday, especially in mid-elevation terrains of these regions. High streamflow advisories are in place for various regions, including central, eastern, and southern Vancouver Island, Haida Gwaii, the Lower Fraser region, and outer coastal areas along the south coast. The ministry advises caution against road washouts, localized flooding, overbank flow, and landslides, urging people to avoid riverbanks and verify road conditions before traveling. Extra vigilance is recommended through the weekend and into Monday as the weather pattern poses an escalating flood hazard.
