High streamflow advisory issued for Metro Vancouver this weekend

Metro Vancouver and parts of Vancouver Island are once again under a high streamflow advisory as more rain is set to hit the coast.

The BC River Forecast Centre says, starting Friday, the South Coast will face a storm system lasting several days.

“The prolonged wet pattern is expected to be punctuated by two main precipitation events: the first Sunday to Monday, and the second Tuesday to Wednesday,” the Ministry of Water, Land, and Resource Stewardship said in the advisory.

“Although there is some divergence among weather models as to specific amounts, the models have broad agreement that precipitation totals will be moderate to heavy for each storm.”

Overall, it says, total rainfall will be “substantial.”

Rivers are expected to rise, but weather conditions may temper heavy streamflow risks, the ministry says.

“Cooler temperatures accompanying the storms may generate snow rather than rain at mid and high elevations, which could keep runoff and flow responses relatively subdued despite heavier precipitation totals,” it said.

High streamflow advisories are issued when river levels are rising or expected to rise rapidly but no major flooding is anticipated.

With fast flowing rivers, the centre says there is an increased risk to life and safety, and it will be monitoring the conditions.

Surrey and Vancouver increase shelter spaces in advance of the storm

People who need shelter from the foul weather in Surrey can head to the Surrey Alliance Church or the South Surrey Recreation and Arts Centre.

In Vancouver, six spaces are now open: the Directions Youth Services Centre, Aboriginal Front Door, the Salvation Army Belkin House, the Commercial Hastings Extreme Weather Response shelter, the Kiwassa Neighbourhood House, and the Overdose Prevention Site at at Hastings and Main.

All spaces are open tonight and will be open until Monday overnight into Tuesday.

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With files from Renee Bernard and David Nadalini.