A third storm system is forecast to bring heavy rain and high winds to British Columbia starting Tuesday through Thursday, following weekend power outages and an evacuation on Vancouver Island.
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British Columbia is preparing for a third storm in a worsening stretch of weather, after wild conditions over the weekend left one person dead, knocked out power to thousands, and triggered evacuations.
Environment Canada has issued wind warnings and special statements predicting heavy rain across large parts of the province over the next few days.
On Haida Gwaii and North Vancouver Island, heavy winds are expected to continue into Monday afternoon, with gusts up to 110 kilometres an hour. A second low-pressure system is expected to follow, with winds again likely to reach warning criteria.
A special weather statement says a “strong and potent” series of storms will approach B.C.’s coast and Vancouver Island from Tuesday through Thursday, bringing heavy rain, particularly in upslope terrain and higher elevations.
The rain event is described as following several low-pressure systems that have already drenched the region in recent days. In that context, an evacuation order was issued for about 30 properties in the village of Zeballos on the northwest coast of Vancouver Island.
Environment Canada said a driver died Saturday in Surrey after two vehicles became trapped under a fallen tree.
While the agency said there is uncertainty about the exact amount of rain and which regions will be affected most, it warned that some areas are expected to see gusty southerly winds. It also said high precipitation could lead to water pooling in places with poor drainage, worsening localized flooding concerns in communities already affected by significant rain.
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