Flood watch for B.C.’s South Coast as atmospheric river triggers rainfall warning

Metro Vancouver, the Fraser Valley, and much of B.C.’s South Coast are set to see torrents of rain beginning Friday as the first atmospheric river of the season bears down on the region.

B.C.’s River Forecast Centre has issued a flood watch for the south and central coasts, and Environment Canada announced Thursday afternoon that it has upgraded a previously issued special weather statement over the region to a rainfall warning. CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO 1130 NEWSRADIO VANCOUVER LIVE!

The weather agency says the heavy rain will persist through to Saturday in places including Metro Vancouver, Whistler, and almost all of Vancouver Island.

Mountainous areas of Vancouver Island are expected to get more than 200 millimetres of precipitation.

The north and central coasts from Bella Bella to Haida Gwaii are also under a wind warning, with gusts expected to reach 110 kilometres an hour.

1130 NewsRadio Meteorologist Michael Kuss explains that an intense and deepening low-pressure system is approaching Northern B.C.

“A long train of rain will get pulled by this low toward B.C.’s South Coast,” he explained. “The duration of the rain is more significant than the intensity as it will likely rain fairly steadily for at least 36 hours.”

Environment and Climate Change Canada issued a Special Weather Statement Thursday morning, warning of “prolonged heavy rain this weekend and strong winds on Saturday.”

Along with the Lower Mainland, the statement covers Howe Sound, Whistler, the Sunshine Coast, and Vancouver Island, except for Victoria and the Southern Gulf Islands.

“Rain is expected to begin around noon on Friday and continue into Sunday morning. Rainfall totals are forecast to reach 40 to 70 mm in general and up to 100 mm along the coastal mountains. Local amounts over West Vancouver Island could reach 200 mm,” ECCC said Thursday.

Wind gusts are expected to get up to about 80 km/h in areas of Vancouver Island, the Sunshine Coast, and coastal regions in Metro Vancouver.

“The rain and wind will ease by Sunday afternoon,” ECCC said.

“Ahead of the storm, ensure that drains are clear of leaves and debris and secure loose objects,” the weather service continued.

Flood Watch issued for coastal B.C.

In an update Thursday afternoon, the BC River Forecast Centre issued an official Flood Watch for areas including the Central Coast, South Coast, Lower Fraser, and Vancouver Island.

Additionally, it said, “High Streamflow Advisories are issued for the North Coast and interior mountains.”

Emergency Info BC is warning people to stay clear of fast-flowing rivers, and riverbanks that could become unstable.

Several municipalities across Metro Vancouver are asking residents to clear out catch basins in their neighbourhoods to help prevent flooding.

In preparation for the extreme weather, the City of Vancouver has opened up extra shelter spaces until this Sunday.

Any severe conditions and fallen trees should be reported to 311.

Listen live to 1130 NewsRadio Vancouver weather updates every 10 minutes after traffic on the ones. You can also follow Meteorologist Michael Kuss on X and subscribe to breaking news alerts sent directly to your inbox.

—With files from Charles Brockman, Cecilia Hua, and The Canadian Press.