3:15 AM PST Friday 15 November 2019
Special weather statement in effect for:
- Central Coast - coastal sections
A wet and windy weekend for Coastal BC
Heavy rain and strong winds are in store for coastal communities of BC this weekend. An atmospheric river will take aim at northern Vancouver Island and the Central Coast beginning early Saturday morning delivering heavy rain and mild conditions until mid-day Sunday. The heaviest rainfall is expected along the west side of Vancouver Island and coastal communities of the Central Coast. The details remain to be finalized however; total rainfall amounts in excess of 100 mm are likely over these areas.
Given the tropical origin of the atmospheric river, freezing levels will be on the rise upwards of 3000 metres for the South Coast and close to 2500 metres for the North Coast. The mild air will result in rain at almost all elevations. High runoff and rising river levels are likely through the weekend.
Mountainous regions further south including the Sunshine Coast, Howe Sound and the North Shore Mountains will also see significant rainfall, potentially exceeding the rainfall warning criteria of 50 mm in 24 hours.
In addition to the heavy rain, strong winds will also accompany the moisture-laden system. Exposed coastal communities along West Vancouver Island, the Central and North Coasts will likely experience wind gusts in excess of 90km/h on Saturday morning.
The public is encouraged to monitor potential rainfall and wind warnings from Environment and Climate Change Canada as well as potential high streamflow advisories or flood watches from the BC River Forecast Centre.
Please continue to monitor alerts and forecasts issued by Environment Canada. To report severe weather, send an email to BCstorm@canada.ca or tweet reports using #BCStorm.