Rainfall warning Metro Vancouver Vancouver Island, Digi Mart USA News (British Columbia, Canada): The British Columbia coast is set to be struck by a potent storm that could bring as much as 120 millimetres of rain to some areas. Parts of Metro Vancouver are also expected to see wet and windy weather.
Environment Canada has issued a rainfall warning for western and inland Vancouver Island, where the rainfall rate is expected to top 10 millimetres an hour for several hours. The agency says the heaviest rain is expected from Tofino north to communities such as Port Alice and Zeballos.
In Metro Vancouver, including the North Shore, Coquitlam and Howe Sound, Environment Canada said the total rainfall amount could reach between 50 and 80 millimetres for some communities. Heavy rain is also expected for the central coast including Bella Coola, while the north and central coasts face gusts up to 110 kilometres an hour.
The heavy rain is set to begin Thursday afternoon and last into Friday. Environment Canada says more wet weather is on the way, with the incoming low-pressure system the first of several bound for B.C.
into next week.
The River Forecast Centre has also issued a high streamflow advisory for the south and central coasts. The advisory includes northern, western and central Vancouver Island.
The centre recommends people stay clear of the banks of swift running rivers, avoid flooded roads and keep storm drains clear.
A second rain system is expected to hit B.C. on Saturday and stretch into Sunday, with a third set to arrive on Monday, according to the River Forecast Centre.
“Rivers are expected to rise rapidly in response to rainfall, with peak flows from the first storm expected on Friday,” the advisory says. “Rivers may experience short reprieves in levels in between storms, however potential for high flows should be expected throughout the remainder of the week, through the weekend and into next week.”
Environment Canada has issued special weather statements for winds, including around Prince George, the Cariboo region, South Thompson and 100 Mile House. The strongest winds are expected near Cache Creek.
Environment Canada says local utility outages are possible and recommends securing loose objects.
