Up to 10 mm of rain per hour during first storm overnight in Metro Vancouver

Environment Canada now has a more detailed forecast of the severity of the first rain and wind storm expected to hit Metro Vancouver and the rest of the BC South Coast tonight.

The federal weather agency says light rain is expected to begin this evening, and it will transition overnight into heavy rainfall with rainfall rates of between 5 and 10 mm per hour from 2 am to 8 am. Strong winds from 60 to 80 km/hr are forecasted.

Communities in the North Shore mountains will see the greatest amounts of precipitation with up to 60 mm expected. The rain will slow down or entirely stop by late Thursday morning.

Another storm system will arrive later in the day, with rain and strong winds redeveloping Thursday evening and continuing into Friday morning.

The most powerful storm of the three-storm parade is set to hit on Saturday as it is feeding on moisture and wind energy of Typhoon Songda. This storm is also expected to bring heavy snowfall to the upper elevations of Whistler Blackcomb.

Power outages from branches falling onto hydro lines and localized flash flooding in low-lying areas are possible. Washouts could also occur near rivers, creeks, and culverts, and mountainside slopes could become unstable, increasing the possibility of rockslides and landslides. Outdoor activities, particularly in the mountains, are not advised over the next few days.

Here are some tips on how to prepare this week’s rain and wind storms.