Flood risk rises across B.C.’s South Coast into this weekend
A threat for thunderstorms and heavy rainfall will heighten the risk for flooding in vulnerable areas
We’re on the lookout for potential flooding across British Columbia’s South Coast this weekend as waves of heavy rain wash over the region.
The heavy precipitation will bring the risk for flash floods and water ponding on roads, as well as possible washouts near rivers, creeks, and culverts. Use extra caution near areas left bare from this summer's wildfires. Be sure to stay alert to any weather warnings in your area.
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Friday into Saturday:
A potent system off Vancouver Island will swing ashore over the next couple of days, fuelling the risk for widespread showers and localized downpours through the weekend.
Rain showers begin early Friday morning across the South Coast, becoming more widespread from the coast to the Interior as the day wears on.
The chance for thunderstorms Friday afternoon and evening could enhance rainfall rates and accumulation.
The most intense rainfall will pick up Friday overnight through Saturday morning, as upper level instability builds in from the south.
Rain will continue into Saturday across the Lower Mainland while the risk for downpours spreads into the Interior and toward the Okanagan. Showers will begin to ease Saturday evening along the South Coast, but continue into the Interior.
Forecasters expect 30-50 mm of rain to fall throughout Metro Vancouver, with 50-60+ mm of rain possible along the Fraser Valley. Even areas typically in the rain shadow down toward Victoria could see 20+ mm of rain from this event.
While these totals aren't anything overly excessive by West Coast standards, it will feel like quite a lot, especially in a summer that has seen a generally drier pattern and minimal rainfall. There is a risk for localized flooding in areas that see the heavier rain.
High temperatures remaining a few degrees below seasonal will add to the rain to make this weekend feel especially gloomy at times. One silver lining is that the hazy skies and wildfire smoke will start to improve and clear out as the rain pushes in.
Through the Rockies, freezing levels hovering around 2500 metres will be enough to bring a chance for some light wet snow at the alpine levels.
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Be sure to check back for the latest weather updates across B.C.
