BC storm: Atmospheric river slams into Metro Vancouver and more is on the way
BC’s south coast is getting drenched by an atmospheric river Monday that’s brought heavy rain and flooding to Metro Vancouver and whiteout conditions to other parts.
Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) says the “potent and impactful storm, an atmospheric river, will make landfall this morning, bringing heavy rain. Very heavy rainfall and rain on snow at higher elevations will increase the risk of flooding and landslides.”
The warnings cover Metro Vancouver, Fraser Valley, Fraser Canyon, Howe Sound, Skagit Valley, Highway 3 Paulson Summit to Kootenay Pass, Elk Valley, and Whistler.
While the morning wasn’t so bad, it sure picked up as the day progressed with an onslaught of wet weather that didn’t seem to be stopping anytime soon in Vancouver, Surrey, Langley, and other areas.
The rain in Spain falls mainly in #Vancouver.
Things are wild here in #Yaletown.
Will someone please adopt a catch basin? pic.twitter.com/Dv9g1cTFCG
ā Amir Ali āØļøāļøš“āā ļø (@AmirsDoingItAll) December 4, 2023
The evening commute on Monday was a wet one, to say the least.
Thatās one way to deal with flooding. š #bcstorm #Vancouver pic.twitter.com/Vr4dWD1yq3
ā Karm Sumal (@KarmSumal) December 4, 2023
Itās loud and wet out there. #bcstorm pic.twitter.com/RX4a9gy2RQ
ā Amanda Wawryk (@AmandaWawryk) December 4, 2023
Many of the major routes were slowed down around 5 pm Monday as a result of low visibility, slippery conditions, and some spun-out vehicles.
Looks like some very Heavy rainfall impacting our afternoon commute. š¬ #bcstorm pic.twitter.com/vx7y3MefW5
ā Brad Atchison (@Brad604) December 4, 2023
Many drivers reported pooling in several areas.
Massive water pooling at the corner of Fraser and SE Marine Drive @CityofVancouver @CityNewsTraffic pic.twitter.com/BCiEYwXgpt
ā Jonathan Kinney (@jonocop) December 4, 2023
The storm is having an impact beyond Metro Vancouver as well.
The ECCC has also issued two highway alerts for the Sea to Sky and Coquihalla Highways, and the Ministry of Transportation has issued a precautionary closure of Highway 1 through Fraser Canyon on Monday night.
Up to 60 mm of rain is expected for the Fraser Canyon south of Lytton and up to 70 mm in the Fraser Valley and the Coquihalla Highway (Hope to Merritt).
Northern Metro Vancouver communities could see 100 mm of rain, while 150 millimetres are expected in parts of Vancouver Island.
Environment Climate Change Canada/Screenshot
ECCC also warns people to watch for possible washouts near rivers, creeks, and culverts.
The Weather Network/Screenshot
So what can we expect? The rain is predicted to continue throughout the day in the affected areas but is expected to ease on Tuesday morning in Metro Vancouver, according to The Weather Network.
The heavy rain that is accumulating is a typical Pineapple Express system that hits the coastal areas, the network added.
What is a pineapple express? It’s another phrase for an atmospheric river that transports tropical moisture straight from the Hawaiian islands, providing a vast reservoir of moisture, fueling heavy rains, and adding to the snow along mountain peaks.
The Weather Network warns that heavy downpours could cause flash floods and water pooling on roads, so stay safe out there.
Keep up on the latest weather updates hereĀ or go to the ECCC weather report page.
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