‘Vigorous’ storm to belt B.C.’s South Coast Tuesday night

Another fall storm is on its way to the Lower Mainland, and it’s set to bring strong winds and heavy rain.

Environment and Climate Change Canada says the “vigorous” storm will move over the coast Tuesday night into Wednesday.

The weather agency is warning of possible flash floods and pooling water on roads and is asking residents to be careful and watch for possible washouts near rivers, creeks, and culverts.

1130 News Radio meteorologist Michael Kuss explains the rain will begin around 6 or 7 p.m., and will last well into the morning — around 4 or 5 a.m. on Wednesday.

“The heaviest rain will fall closer to the Mountains from West Vancouver to Pitt Meadows, 50 to 80 millimetres possible in these areas, and 20 to 50 millimetres expected across the rest of Metro Vancouver,” he explained.

But much like the last storm that rolled through, winds will batter the region again.

“Winds will be strong, especially across the southern parts of Metro Vancouver. Wind warnings are up for Richmond, Delta, and Surrey,” Kuss added. “Steady winds could top 60 kilometres an hour, with gusts near 90 kilometres an hour.”

Kuss says to expect winds to be their strongest from 7 p.m. to 8 a.m. on Wednesday.

ECCC is also warning that travel may become difficult in areas of heavy rain, while BC Ferries says many major sailings on Tuesday afternoon and evening are cancelled due to the incoming winds.

As of 2 p.m. Tuesday, all BC Ferries sailings between Vancouver and Victoria are full to vehicle capacity or cancelled until 7 a.m. Wednesday. Walk on passengers may still be welcome on some.

Sailings from Vancouver’s Horseshoe Bay to Nanaimo’s Departure Bay after 6:34 p.m. are cancelled. In the opposite direction, the 8:45 p.m. sailing is cancelled.

Sailings from Vancouver’s Tsawwassen terminal to Nanaimo’s Duke Point after 5:45 p.m. are cancelled. In the opposite direction, the 8:45 p.m. and 10:45 p.m. sailings are cancelled.

Many other routes around coastal B.C. have been cancelled in response to the adverse weather. A complete list of affected routes can be seen on the BC Ferries website.

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.