Powerful winds accompany atmospheric rivers into British Columbia
Prepare for the localized risk of flooding and power outages
Significant precipitation and blustery conditions will continue across British Columbia through this weekend as a strengthening system drags an atmospheric river into the coast.
Higher-elevation portions of Vancouver Island may see storm totals of 300+ mm by next week.
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Watch the potential for localized flooding in the hardest-hit areas. Gusty winds could lead to ferry delays, power outages, and high surf along the coast.
A rapidly intensifying low-pressure system will affect the West Coast through Saturday and into the day on Sunday.
Heavy rainfall is forecast Saturday evening along with the strongest wind gusts. Widespread gusts of 50-60+ km/h are expected from Victoria and Vancouver north toward the Sunshine Coast, with gusts up to 90 km/h possible on the western shores of Vancouver Island.
Rainfall totals of 50+ mm are expected along the North Shore, including West Vancouver and North Vancouver, as well as Coquitlam and Howe Sound. The highest totals will fall on the Central Coast and western Vancouver Island. Communities across the Lower Mainland can expect 20-30+ mm.
Heavy alpine snow will accompany this system, as well. Freezing levels will surge as warm, moist air pushes inland, followed by a sharp descent toward 1500 metres through Sunday behind the storm’s cold front.
Looking ahead, forecasters are closely watching another strong atmospheric river expected to affect the region into next workweek.
Higher impacts are possible since the ground will be saturated from this weekend’s coming rainfall. Strong winds and significant precipitation, both rain and snow, are expected with this upcoming event.
Stay with The Weather Network for all the latest on conditions across British Columbia.