Environment Canada has issued a warning about potential flooding in southwestern British Columbia due to the convergence of high tides and strong winds over the upcoming weekend. The weather agency alerted the public about the likelihood of moderate flooding caused by “abnormal” high tides and a low-pressure system moving across the region. The statement highlighted that the South Coast is experiencing elevated tides as the Earth reaches perihelion, with falling atmospheric pressure exacerbating coastal water levels.
The advisory mentioned the risks of debris, erosion, and localized flooding along coastal areas. Meteorologist Ken Dosanjh emphasized the importance of caution near the coastline to prevent any hazards. The alert covers the South Coast, as well as the western and eastern shores of Vancouver Island, with the highest flood risk expected on Sunday morning, January 4. The unsettled weather conditions are forecasted to persist from Saturday morning through Monday.
In addition to the coastal flooding concerns, Environment Canada issued a special weather statement cautioning about freezing rain in the South Okanagan, Boundary, and West Kootenay regions on Saturday morning. The warning extends to the possibility of freezing rain along Highway 3 from Paulson Summit to the Kootenay Pass. Avalanche Canada forecaster Martina Halik anticipated increased avalanche risks in the southern part of the province due to the ongoing storm activity.
Halik highlighted the potential formation of storm slabs and wind slabs, dense snow layers rapidly accumulating over weak layers due to intense precipitation. The presence of a persistent weak layer could heighten the danger, making the situation more hazardous than expected.
