Metro Vancouver storm bringing heavy rain, strong winds

Another storm is heading to Metro Vancouver, bringing heavy rain and strong winds to the region. Up to 50 millimeters of rain is expected to fall.

Many areas saw a light drizzle starting Friday morning. CityNews Vancouver meteorologist Michael Kuss says that drizzle turns to light rain, which will gradually become heavier throughout the day.

He says it will really come down late Friday evening and overnight.

“Between around 10 p.m. and 5 a.m.,” he predicted Friday morning. “A few scattered showers are on the way for tomorrow. But we could see … some sunny breaks in there, but not all day.”

Rainfall Warning: Howe Sound, North Shore, Tri-Cities to Maple Ridge. 60-90 mm and windy. Heaviest rain overnight. Snow for Whistler, Mountain Passes and North Shore Ski Hills. #BCStorm @CityNewsVAN pic.twitter.com/I0OJ3pd1Bo

— Michael Kuss (@Kusswx) December 10, 2021

A few more showers are expected on Sunday as well.

On Thursday, the BC River Forecast Centre issued a High Streamflow Advisory for the South Coast.

“Temperatures are expected to rise, with freezing levels approaching 1,000 to 1,500 metres. Rain-on-snow and snowmelt runoff is expected to be limited to low and mid-elevations, with snow
expected over higher terrain,” the advisory reads.

It says rivers are expected to rise Friday and Saturday.

“Snowmelt runoff at lower elevations may lead to minor flooding in low-lying areas. Risks of high flows and overbank spill on the Nooksack River into the Sumas River are low,” it says.

You are advised to stay clear of the fast-flowing rivers and potentially unstable riverbanks.

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Winds gusting up to 80 kilometers per hour are expected in parts of the region as well.

This storm will be the latest in several that have swept across the South Coast in recent months.

“We take every storm event — no matter how big or small — as a learning lesson,” Kevin Aquino with BC Hydro said. “Every time after an event, we go back and see what we could have done in terms of efficiencies, whether we needed to deploy more crews or reposition some folks in different areas of the province.”

He adds if the lights go out, crews are ready to respond.

“We have 55 offices spread through the province. This definitely enables us to ramp up BC Hydro crews, contractor crews, and call centre agents. So, if we do need more resources in the Interior or in the Lower Mainland, we’re able to shift focus.”

However, if your power does go out, it can often be hard to predict how long it will take crews to get it restored.

“That’s why we always encourage our customers to be prepared,” Aquino said. “Customers should always have an emergency kit on hand with supplies that can last for at least 72 hours and supplies [such as] … water and non-perishable foods, a flashlight, and extra batteries.”

You are also advised to make plans with family members or friends you might be able to stay with in the event of an extended outage.

Power outage updates can be found on BC Hydro’s website.