Atmospheric river hits B.C.'s South Coast

An atmospheric river is drenching B.C.’s South Coast.

Environment Canada has posted rainfall warnings for parts of Vancouver Island, Metro Vancouver, the Fraser and Skagit valleys, the Sunshine Coast and the Sea to Sky and Howe Sound regions.

The heaviest downpour is expected in the Fraser Valley and southern sections of Vancouver Island, where up to 110 millimetres of rain is possible through Wednesday night.

Warm air with the system will cause freezing levels to rise, and snowmelt combined with the already saturated ground and heavy rain will likely result in high streamflows and localized flooding, according to the warning posted Wednesday morning.

The agency is urging people to stay away from rivers, creeks and culverts.

In Metro Vancouver, Howe Sound and Sea to Sky, expect between 40 mm and 70 mm. The highest rainfall amounts will likely be near the coastal mountains.

The warning asks motorists to avoid driving on flooded roadways.

B.C.’s River Forecast Centre has posted a flood watch for the Fraser Valley and a high streamflow advisory for Vancouver Island and much of the B.C. coast.

Of concern are the lower Fraser tributaries including the Chilliwack River, Skagit River, Coquihalla River and other areas of the Fraser Valley around Abbotsford, Chilliwack, Hope and east through Manning Park.

Meantime, it looks like B.C.’s North Coast is in for a significant dump of snow.

A snowfall warning is in effect for the inland sections, with up to 30 centimetres of snow expected by Wednesday afternoon.

Environment Canada says the snow will taper off later in the afternoon, with light flurries lingering intermittently into the evening.

ticrawford@postmedia.com

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