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.

Warnings

4:43 AM PST Thursday 02 January 2020
Rainfall warning in effect for:

• Central Coast - coastal sections

Rain, at times heavy, is expected.

A strong Pacific storm is on the way for this afternoon and Friday for the BC coast.

The storm will approach the coast today. Precipitation will spread onto the central coast and northern Vancouver Island late this morning. The rain may be briefly mixed with wet snow this afternoon. It will then intensify this evening and persist through Friday. During that period, we expect 100 to 150 mm of rain to fall over for Central Coast - coastal sections, West Vancouver Island and near Port Alice on North Vancouver Island. It will eventually diminish in intensity Friday night but light rain will continue into Saturday.

Localized flooding in low-lying areas is possible. Watch for possible washouts near rivers, creeks and culverts.

Statements

12:43 AM PST Thursday 02 January 2020
Special weather statement in effect for:

• Central Coast - coastal sections

A strong Pacific storm is on the way for this afternoon and Friday for the BC coast.

The storm will approach the coast today. Precipitation spreads onto Vancouver Island late this morning and onto the south coast early this afternoon. Strong southeasterly winds will also develop this afternoon.

Initially temperatures will be cold enough to allow some of the precipitation to start as wet snow over higher elevations of Vancouver Island and the south coast.

By this evening warm air accompanying the storm will drive freezing levels and temperatures higher so that precipitation changes to rain for most communities. The exception may be Whistler and the Sea to Sky Highway from Squamish to Whistler where snow could persist longer.

The heavy rain and strong winds continue all day on Friday. The highest rainfall amounts will be over the central coast, north and west Vancouver Island. Areas of Squamish, northern sections of Metro Vancouver, and the Fraser Valley will also significant amounts of rainfall.

In areas where snow does accumulate, a higher chance of localized flooding is possible due to rain on snow.

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.

Warnings

9:22 AM PST Thursday 02 January 2020
Winter storm warning in effect for:

• Central Coast - inland sections

Hazardous winter conditions are expected.

A strong Pacific storm is on the way for this afternoon and Friday for the BC coast.

Snow will spread to the inland sections of the central coast beginning this afternoon and will intensify tonight, with up to 30 cm expected by Friday morning.

Warm air moving inland overnight will cause the snow to change to rain by Friday morning. Moderate rain is expected through the day, before it changes back to snow Friday night.

Surfaces such as highways, roads, walkways and parking lots may become difficult to navigate due to accumulating snow. Visibility may be suddenly reduced at times in heavy snow.

 

Emergency Phone Numbers:

RCMP Bella Coola Detachment: 250-799-5363

BC Ambulance: 1-800-461-9911

BC Hydro Emergency: 1-888-769-3766

 

Stay Up to Date:

Weather conditions: https://weather.gc.ca/

BC River Forecast Centre: http://bcrfc.env.gov.bc.ca/warnings/index.htm

Road Conditions: https://www.drivebc.ca/mobile/events/index.html

Call toll-free 1-800-550-4997 for BC road information 24 hours-a-day

General Information

Driving Safely in Severe Weather Conditions

Severe weather - thunderstorms, hail, blizzards, ice storms, high winds or heavy rain - can happen without warning and in any season.

With severe weather often comes a loss of power, so be prepared to be on your own by developing an emergency plan, putting together your emergency kit and connecting with your neighbours.

Tips For Driving in Ice or Snow

• Slow down. Bridges and overpasses freeze first, so take it slow and avoid sudden changes in speed or direction.
• Keep windows clear. Visibility is crucial, especially in bad weather. Turn on the lights and wipers and crank up the defroster, if necessary. Scrape the ice off of your windows before you leave to ensure proper visibility. Also make sure that all items are removed from the back window area. If you're still having trouble seeing, carefully pull over to a safe location well off the roadway.
• Brake cautiously. Abrupt braking can cause lock-up and loss of steering control. If you have anti-lock brakes, apply constant, firm pressure to the pedal.
• Resist the urge to "floor it." If you get stuck in snow, straighten the wheels and accelerate slowly. Avoid spinning the tires. Use sand or blocks under the drive wheels.

Tips For Driving in Rain

• Turn on wipers. Yes, it's obvious, but remember to keep them maintained. A beam wiper blade will provide more uniform contact with the glass in the rain. Wipers should be replaced every six to twelve months for optimal performance.
• Use headlights. Visibility is usually compromised in rainy conditions. Headlights can help. All states have laws requiring the use of headlights in low visibility, and many states require headlights when wipers are in use.
• Keep windows clear. The defroster or air conditioner may help keep windows and mirrors clear.
• Be patient. Take it slower than normal. Leave more room when stopping. Wet pavement may cause loss of traction and lead to sliding or hydroplaning.
• Go around. Never cross a flooded roadway, because it's tough to tell how deep the water is. Take the time to find an alternate route. The last thing you want is to get caught in a flash flood.
• Turn off cruise control. When roads are wet it is best to allow the driver to control speed and react to conditions.

Vehicle Preparedness Checklist for Severe Weather

Shift into winter every year with DriveBC's Prepare Your Vehicle checklist and make sure you’re ready for bad weather while on the road. Preparing your vehicle includes packing a winter survival kit. Recommended items include:

• Emergency kit containing non-perishable food, blankets and first aid supplies
• Windshield scraper and snow brush
• Extra windshield washer fluid
• Spare tire, wheel wrench and jack
• Shovel and traction mat, sand or kitty litter

• Flashlight and extra batteries
• Battery jumper cables
• Extra clothing and footwear
• Flares and matches or lighter
• Fuel line antifreeze
• Tire chains and glove