Environment Canada has forecasted another rainy day for certain areas of B.C.’s coast on Tuesday. Rainfall warnings have been issued for various regions, including Vancouver Island and the Central Coast, due to an extended period of heavy rainfall known as an “atmospheric river event.” The agency has warned of potential flooding and landslides as total rainfall could reach up to 200 millimetres on western Vancouver Island between Tuesday morning and Wednesday morning. The rain is expected to intensify on Tuesday afternoon and become particularly heavy overnight.
Inland sections of Vancouver Island may also experience significant rainfall, with total amounts of up to 150 mm possible. Furthermore, the Central Coast, located south of Bella Bella, is anticipated to receive 30 mm of rainfall on Tuesday. Environment Canada has cautioned that localized flooding is probable, and some roads could become impassable.
Rainfall warnings are also in effect for parts of Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley, with up to 100 mm of rain anticipated in the Valley and up to 120 mm in Metro Vancouver from Tuesday afternoon to Wednesday morning. A special weather statement has been issued for several regions, including the North Columbia, Kinbasket, and West Columbia areas, where a mix of snowmelt and rain may lead to flooding in low-lying areas. Up to 45 mm of rain is expected by Wednesday afternoon, with additional precipitation forecasted from Thursday afternoon to Saturday.
Whistler and the Sea-to-Sky Highway are under a winter storm warning, with up to 80 mm of rain expected from Tuesday morning into Wednesday. Environment Canada has highlighted the risk of flooding due to heavy rain on top of existing snow. Travelers are advised to prepare for rapidly changing and deteriorating travel conditions and allow extra time for their journeys.
The province’s River Forecast Centre hydrologist, Jonathan Boyd, has indicated that the most severe weather is expected around Thursday or Friday, with this atmospheric river event potentially lasting up to five days in some areas. Meteorologist Brian Proctor mentioned that significant precipitation has been observed at various weather stations across the province, with the highest levels recorded in the Rivers Inlet area on the Central Coast. The rain is predicted to shift southwards towards Vancouver Island and potentially affect the Whistler region. While most parts of Metro Vancouver may not reach rainfall warning thresholds, elevated precipitation is expected in the North Shore Mountains and potentially in the Fraser Valley.