Metro Vancouver in for another weekend drenching as a rainfall warning issued
Posted November 12, 2021 4:59 pm.
Last Updated November 13, 2021 3:49 pm.
People in Metro Vancouver are being warned to brace for another wet weekend, with a special weather warning in effect due to expected rainfall.
The region could see as much as 150 mm between Saturday evening and Monday morning.
“A significant atmospheric river event will bring copious amounts of rain and near-record temperatures to the B.C. south coast beginning this afternoon,” said a statement from Environment Canada.
“As the warm front approaches, steady rain will develop this afternoon.”
The organization expects up to 100 millimeters of rain for Metro Vancouver, the western part of the Fraser Valley, and parts of the Sunshine Coast. Specifically, Gibsons to Earls Cove is likely to be affected by the weather. Howe Sound and the eastern part of the Fraser Valley could see up to 150 millimeters. The lowlands of Metro Vancouver will see up to 75 mm of rain by Monday.
The rainfall warning is in effect for the City of Vancouver, Burnaby, New Westminster, North Vancouver, West Vancouver, Coquitlam, Maple Ridge, Surrey, and Langley.
“The rain will be heaviest Sunday afternoon and Sunday night ahead of the cold front. The heavy rain will ease on Monday as the cold front pushes the precipitation out of the region,” said Environment Canada.
They suggest anyone planning to go outside watch for possible washouts near rivers, creeks, and culverts.
Warm temperatures will accompany the rain, so dress to stay dry and conditions should be manageable.
“A series of moisture-laden systems associated with an atmospheric river from the Pacific will begin arriving … and bring heavy rain to the South Coast,” says the statement from Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC)
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People considering leaving the Lower Mainland to head to the Interior are also being warned to expect heavy snowfall on the Coquihalla Between Hope and Merritt as a result of the same weather systems.
“As of now, there is still uncertainty with the timing and the total amount of snow that is expected for these highways, but the current model guidance highlights a period of heavy snow beginning Saturday evening,” ECCC says.
By Sunday morning, freezing levels will climb above 2000 metres and the heavy snow is expected to transition to rain, persisting into Monday.
