Rainfall warning in effect as atmospheric river to drench Metro Vancouver this weekend
Metro Vancouver will be hit with a lot of rain as an atmospheric river is making its way to the region this weekend.
The heavy rain and wet conditions prompted the B.C. Ministry of Water, Land, and Resource Stewardship to issue a high streamflow advisory for the western and southern parts of Vancouver Island and B.C.’s South Coast (including Metro Vancouver, the North Shore Mountains, and Fraser Valley).
“An atmospheric river is approaching British Columbia, bringing a period of wet weather from Friday night through Sunday,” reads the ministry’s statement.
“Current weather forecasts indicate that West Vancouver Island may expect 150 to 200 mm total precipitation for the event and South Coast Mountains may expect 100 to 200 mm.”
The centre noted that the exact locations of the heaviest rainfall remain “uncertain,” and the storm’s duration is expected to be 24 to 36 hours, depending on location.
Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) also issued a rainfall warning for Metro Vancouver, noting that “a long episode of rain, at times heavy, is expected” overnight to Sunday afternoon.
Total rainfall amounts of 75 to 120 mm are forecasted.
ECCC
The storm isn’t expected to result in significant flooding, but localized flooding and water pooling on roads are possible in areas with lower elevation and poor drainage.
While this weekend’s weather will be gloomy, things will brighten up as sunshine and a high of 9°C are on the forecast for Monday.