Environment Canada has forecasted continued rainfall for certain regions along the coast of British Columbia on Tuesday. Rainfall warnings have been issued for various areas, including Vancouver Island and the Central Coast, due to an extended period of atmospheric river activity. The agency anticipates up to 200 millimeters of rainfall on western Vancouver Island from Tuesday morning to Wednesday morning, increasing the potential for flooding and landslides. Rain intensity is expected to heighten on Tuesday afternoon and intensify overnight.
Inland sections of Vancouver Island may also experience significant rainfall, with accumulations of up to 150 mm. Additionally, the Central Coast, below Bella Bella, is projected to receive around 30 mm of rain on Tuesday. Environment Canada has cautioned about potential localized flooding and the likelihood of some roads becoming impassable.
Parts of Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley are also under rainfall warnings, with up to 100 mm of rain forecasted for the Valley and up to 120 mm for Metro Vancouver from Tuesday afternoon to Wednesday morning. Special weather statements have been issued for various regions, including the North Columbia, Kinbasket, and West Columbia areas, where the combination of snowmelt and rain could lead to flooding in low-lying areas. Up to 45 mm of rain is expected in these regions by Wednesday afternoon, with additional rainfall anticipated from Thursday afternoon to Saturday.
Whistler and the Sea-to-Sky Highway are under a winter storm warning, with approximately 80 mm of rain expected to fall between Tuesday morning and Wednesday. Environment Canada has highlighted the potential for flooding due to heavy rain on top of existing snow cover and has advised travelers to prepare for rapidly changing and deteriorating travel conditions by allowing extra time for their journeys.
According to Jonathan Boyd, a hydrologist at the province’s River Forecast Centre, the most severe weather conditions are predicted for Thursday or Friday. Boyd noted the unusual length of this atmospheric river event, which could last up to five days in some parts of the South Coast. Meanwhile, meteorologist Brian Proctor mentioned significant precipitation levels across the province, with the highest reported in the Rivers Inlet area on the Central Coast. Proctor indicated that the rain is tapering off in the Central Coast and shifting southward towards Vancouver Island’s west side and potentially the Whistler region.
Although most areas of Metro Vancouver are not expected to reach “rainfall warning” thresholds, elevated precipitation is anticipated along the North Shore Mountains and possibly extending into the Fraser Valley.