A coastal flooding alert has been issued for the South Coast of British Columbia, including Metro Vancouver and parts of southern Vancouver Island this weekend. According to Environment Canada, a combination of abnormal high tides and low pressure could lead to minor to moderate coastal flooding. The City of Vancouver has forecasted the highest coastal water levels in Vancouver in the past four years.
The South Coast is expected to experience high astronomical tides due to the Earth reaching its closest point to the Sun (the “perihelion”) while a low pressure system moves across the region. This atmospheric pressure drop is anticipated to raise coastal water levels beyond normal tides, increasing the risk of flooding. The agency has highlighted Sunday as the day with the highest flood risk, although the exact timing of the low pressure center remains uncertain.
There is a possibility of “locally significant flooding,” making roads and walkways challenging to navigate due to flooding or debris. The City of Vancouver has identified areas along the Fraser River, Burrard Inlet including English Bay, and adjacent low-lying regions as potentially impacted. Water levels are projected to peak around 7:30 a.m. PT on Sunday, affecting neighborhoods like Southlands, South Vancouver Industrial Area, and Locarno Beach. While Vancouver’s Seawall remains accessible, precautions are advised.
To address the situation, the city plans to open additional shelter spaces due to heavy rainfall and colder temperatures. Residents and businesses in low-lying areas are advised to monitor heavy rainfall and pooling water, while avoiding impacted shorelines. The city also emphasizes the importance of refraining from walking, biking, driving, or swimming through floodwaters.
In addition to the coastal flooding alert, Avalanche Canada has issued warnings for potentially hazardous conditions in alpine areas of Vancouver’s North Shore mountains, the Gibsons area, and certain regions east of Prince George. The risk of avalanches is considerable in various locations, prompting the agency to caution against travel to avalanche terrain.
