A powerful series of storms is hitting British Columbia’s south coast, with some areas expected to receive more than 250 millimetres of rainfall as meteorologists warn of possible flooding, landslides and dangerous travel conditions.
Environment Canada has issued orange-level rainfall warnings for western and central Vancouver Island, Howe Sound and the Sea-to-Sky region, warning that the severe weather could cause significant damage and disruption.
According to forecasters, parts of Vancouver Island could receive more than 250 millimetres of rain during the weather system. Howe Sound and the Sea-to-Sky region could experience more than 160 millimetres, while parts of Metro Vancouver may receive approximately 120 millimetres.
The heavy rainfall is being driven by a series of atmospheric rivers and powerful weather systems moving across the Pacific coast.
Flood Watches Issued Across Several Regions
British Columbia’s River Forecast Centre has issued flood watches for large parts of Vancouver Island and the South Coast, including Howe Sound, the North Shore Mountains, the Sea-to-Sky region, parts of Metro Vancouver and the northern Fraser Valley.
A flood watch means river levels are rising and could approach or exceed their banks, creating the possibility of flooding in nearby communities.
The heaviest rainfall is expected through Tuesday and Wednesday, with conditions forecast to gradually improve on Thursday. However, additional rainfall could continue to increase water levels even after the strongest system passes.
Environment Canada meteorologist Michael Gismondi said the rainfall was being caused by successive atmospheric rivers. Although he described the conditions as fairly typical for this time of year, he warned that flooding remained possible.
He said rainfall could ease temporarily before another weather system moves through and intensifies precipitation again.
Roads and Communities Face Disruption
The storms are expected to create hazardous conditions across affected communities, particularly in areas vulnerable to flooding and landslides.
Officials have warned that water could accumulate on roads, visibility could deteriorate suddenly and some routes could become impassable.
Steep slopes, recently burned areas and locations with unstable ground are considered particularly vulnerable to landslides.
Residents have been advised to stay away from fast-flowing rivers, streams and culverts. Motorists are also being urged not to drive through flooded roads or bridges.
Meanwhile, strong winds are expected in some coastal areas. Haida Gwaii and northern Vancouver Island could experience gusts reaching approximately 110 kilometres per hour.
Recent Storms Have Already Turned Deadly
The latest rainfall comes after several days of severe weather across southwestern British Columbia that have already resulted in fatalities and major disruptions.
A driver was killed in Surrey on Saturday after a falling tree struck two vehicles during the storm.
A 78-year-old pedestrian who was hit by a vehicle in Vancouver during heavy rainfall also died in hospital on Saturday. Police noted the weather conditions surrounding the incident.
Additionally, a canoeist has remained missing in stormy waters off northern Vancouver Island after disappearing on Friday. The vessel was later found capsized, prompting concerns about the search operation as weather conditions deteriorated.
The previous storms also temporarily disrupted electricity services for approximately 415,000 BC Hydro customers.
Residents Urged to Remain Alert
Authorities are encouraging residents to monitor weather forecasts, follow local emergency instructions and prepare for possible flooding.
The provincial River Forecast Centre continues to monitor river conditions, while Environment Canada has maintained rainfall warnings across several affected regions.
Although meteorologists do not expect catastrophic impacts from the latest rainfall system, the combination of saturated ground, heavy precipitation and strong winds could create dangerous conditions.
With more rain expected before the weather begins to ease, communities across British Columbia’s south coast are preparing for possible flooding, road closures and further disruptions.
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