Environment Canada says an atmospheric river is bringing heavy rain to Vancouver Island and the South Coast, with orange rainfall warnings in place as flooding is possible.
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A series of atmospheric rivers is bringing a deluge of wet weather to Vancouver Island and other parts of southwest British Columbia, with Environment Canada warning that flooding and landslides are possible.
Environment Canada meteorologist Michael Gismondi said the drenching rain is “fairly typical for this time of year” and that he does not expect “catastrophic” impacts, though the precipitation is expected to continue across the region for a day or more.
Gismondi said the rain is forecast to slow early Wednesday, then “re-intensify” as another system moves through the area.
Environment Canada has issued orange rainfall warnings for west and central Vancouver Island, Howe Sound and the Sea-to-Sky regions, indicating severe storms are likely to cause significant damage and disruption.
The agency said parts of Vancouver Island could see more than 250 millimetres of rain, while the Howe Sound and Sea-to-Sky regions could receive upwards of 160 millimetres.
Environment Canada added that parts of Metro Vancouver could get about 120 millimetres of rain, and Haida Gwaii and north Vancouver Island could see wind gusts of up to 110 kilometres an hour.
British Columbia’s River Forecast Centre has issued flood watches for much of Vancouver Island and the South Coast, with the worst conditions expected to last into Wednesday before tapering off Thursday.
The stormy weather follows deadly incidents over the weekend, including the death of a driver in Surrey after a falling tree on Saturday, and the death of a pedestrian hit by a car Friday during a heavy downpour in Vancouver.
A canoeist remains missing after their disappearance was reported Friday during stormy conditions off northern Vancouver Island.
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