Active AlertsLake Cowichan, BC

Very heavy rain is expected.

What: Total rainfall accumulations of 80 to 120 mm, except up to 150 mm locally or over higher terrain.

Where: North Vancouver Island (near Port Alice), West Vancouver Island (northwest of Barkley Sound) and Inland Vancouver Island (near Gold River).

When: This afternoon to Friday afternoon.

Remarks: A potent low pressure system will drench parts of West Vancouver Island and Inland Vancouver Island beginning this afternoon. The heaviest rainfall is expected from midnight tonight through Friday morning, with rainfall rates possibly reaching up to or over 10 mm/h for several hours. The highest rainfall amounts are forecast between Tofino and northwards and will spread inland to Port Alice, Zeballos, Tahsis and Gold River.

This is the first potent storm in a series of wet and windy weather systems that will affect the BC coast into next week.

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Localized flooding is possible. Some roads may become impassable. Visibility may be suddenly reduced at times.

Please continue to monitor alerts and forecasts issued by Environment Canada. To report severe weather, send an email to BCstorm@ec.gc.ca or post reports on social media using #BCStorm.

Stay away from rivers, creeks and culverts.