Environment Canada has issued a special weather statement for B.C.’s South Coast, forecasting heavy rain and strong winds, which are expected to begin on Sunday and continue through Monday afternoon.
The storm is set to impact Metro Vancouver, the Fraser Valley, Howe Sound and the Sunshine Coast, with total rainfall amounts between 30 to 40 millimetres by Monday morning.
The weather agency warns the storm could bring reduced visibility, washouts near rivers, creeks and culverts, and potential power outages if high winds cause branches to fall onto power lines.
Residents are advised to clear storm drains of leaves and debris to help prevent localized flooding.
The special statement is the latest in a series of weather warnings for the South Coast this fall. It comes on the heels of an intense atmospheric river event on Oct. 19, which led to at least four deaths, and a windstorm earlier this week that left thousands without power.
The B.C. River Forecast Centre has also issued a high streamflow advisory for the South Coast and parts of Vancouver Island, cautioning that rivers may see increased flows due to recent wet weather.
According to the advisory, the current storm will be followed by a second weather system expected Tuesday through Wednesday, which could bring additional heavy rainfall.
A high streamflow advisory indicates that river levels may rise rapidly, but that no major flooding is anticipated. Officials urge caution around fast-moving rivers and warn that conditions could change as the storms progress.
The centre notes that while rivers across the South Coast and Vancouver Island are currently at “near-normal” levels for this time of year, recent rainfall may make the region’s rivers more vulnerable to rapid increases.
Environment Canada and the River Forecast Centre say they will continue monitoring the situation, with further updates expected if conditions worsen.