Prepare for more rain: Next weather system set to move in Wednesday night

More rain is in the forecast for the Lower Mainland, as Abbotsford and other communities continue to struggle with floodwaters.

Another strong weather system is about to make its way over southern B.C., with the potential of heavy of rain in parts, according to Meteorologist Michael Kuss.

“It starts off mainly dry, a few scattered showers early on Wednesday. Rain develops in the afternoon and really ramps up on Thursday,” he explained.

“We could see another pretty solid blast of, it looks like, at least — this is conservative now — 50 millimetres of rain,” Kuss explained, adding, it “could be double that in some pockets, so we’re watching out for that mainly Thursday.”

Environment Canada has issued a special weather statement for the Lower Mainland, also warning of even more precipitation, starting mostly overnight Wednesday.

While both Kuss and Environment Canada note this upcoming system will not be as intense as the one that triggered mass flooding and mudslides across southern B.C. last week, it is expected to bring significant rain and wind.

“Additionally, freezing levels will rise above mountain tops on Thursday. This may worsen recent flooding and impact vulnerable landscapes and infrastructure,” Environment Canada adds.

With Tuesday relatively dry, Kuss says it’s important to take advantage of this break in the weather for things like gutter and catch basin cleaning.

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Previously, Kuss said the general weather patterns aren’t likely to change as we usher in the winter season.

“It’s been an incredibly wet fall so far and, in fact, stretching back to the tail end of summer through September,” he said Saturday.

The heaviest rain on Monday was concentrated mainly over the North Coast, with Environment Canada issuing weather alerts warning of heavy precipitation, strong winds, and freezing temperatures.

“Environment and Climate Change Canada’s weather alerts for heavy rain associated with an atmospheric river cover Haida Gwaii, Prince Rupert, Kitimat and the surrounding communities,” a release from the province reads. “The system is expected to reach the South Coast in a weakened state by Monday, Nov. 22, including regions that are vulnerable due to previous flooding.”

A definite change in tone/ approach from the province with a new storm approaching than ahead of last week’s storm (for which there was no notification like this from government)#bcpoli @CityNewsVAN pic.twitter.com/etwUZTIDtO

— LizaYuzda (@LizaYuzda) November 20, 2021

The B.C. government notes the River Forecast Centre has also issued flood watches for the North Coast region, including the aforementioned communities.

Environment and Climate Change Canada Warning preparedness meteorologist Armel Castellan agrees B.C. is in for some harsh weather over the winter months, with a “parade of storms” expected.

Castellan says the department is bracing for record-breaking rainfall this fall in terms of the overall precipitation for communities along the central and south coast of the province.

He says the department has regularly briefed Emergency Management BC on the storms and it is working on a warning system for the public, but a launch date for it has not been confirmed.

-With files from Azzaya Khan and The Canadian Press