‘Incoming Atmospheric River to Impact Metro Vancouver and Southern Coast of British Columbia’
Much of British Columbia’s south coast is facing stormy weather as per Environment Canada’s warnings of a “potent and impactful” storm that will bring heavy rain to Metro Vancouver.
Drivers on the Sea to Sky Highway from Squamish to Whistler have been cautioned due to heavy rains raising the risk of flooding and landslides along the route.
An atmospheric river is forecasted to make landfall on the province’s southern coast today, bringing as much as 150 millimeters of rain to Western Vancouver Island.
Several areas, including Inland Vancouver Island, the Howe Sound region, and parts of Metro Vancouver, are expecting up to 100 millimeters of rain from the storm. The rest of Metro Vancouver could get up to 70 millimeters of rain before the storm eases on the morning of Dec. 5.
Motors on the Coquihalla Highway from Hope to Merritt should be cautious due to the possibility of snow mixed with rain on the roads, as per the warnings.
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The province’s River Forecast Centre has issued high streamflow advisories for the entire southwestern region of British Columbia, including Vancouver Island, the Lower Mainland, and the south coast.
The ‘atmospheric river’ is also expected to hit the southern Kootenay region in B.C.’s Interior, with the Elk Valley near Fernie and parts of Highway 3 expecting up to 100 millimeters of rain starting tonight and lasting until Dec. 7.
Environment Canada warns of winds gusting up to 120 kilometers an hour in the north coast, stretching from northern Vancouver Island to Prince Rupert and Haida Gwaii.
A winter storm warning has also been issued for the Trans-Canada Highway from Sicamous to Golden, with up to 15 centimeters of snow accumulation expected along with ice pellets and the possibility of freezing rain.
