B.C.’s flood-stricken South Coast on high alert as next rainstorm arrives
Global News
Environment Canada rainfall warnings remained in effect for Metro Vancouver, the Fraser Valley, Howe Sound, the Sea to Sky region and Sunshine Coast through the weekend.
Southern B.C. remained on “red alert” Saturday, as the first of back-to-back storms began drenching the already flood-weary part of the province.
Environment Canada rainfall warnings remained in effect for Metro Vancouver, the Fraser Valley, Howe Sound, the Sea to Sky region and Sunshine Coast.
Rainfall amounts ranging from 60 mm in Vancouver to 80 mm in the Fraser Valley and up to 120 mm around Squamish and near the mountains were forecast.
“Strong warming will accompany this system causing freezing levels to rise well above the mountain tops today. Snowmelt will contribute to runoff, increasing the risk of flooding and possibly impacting vulnerable landscapes and infrastructure,” Environment Canada said.
The still flood-plagued Sumas region of Abbotsford remained under a flood warning, with the state of Washington’s Nooksack River at risk of breaking its banks again on Sunday, while the entire South Coast remained under a flood watch.
The BC River Forecast Centre also issued a flood watch for Vancouver Island, with the exception of the northern region which was under a high streamflow advisory — as were the Tulameen, Similkameen, Coldwater and Nicola rivers in B.C.’s Interior.
Eastern, western and northern Vancouver Island also faced rainfall warnings, while the Fraser Canyon, Coquihalla between Hope and Merritt and Highway 3 from Hope to Princeton also faced weather statements warning of heavy rain.
