Coastal flooding statement issued for southwestern B.C.

Environment Canada is warning of the potential for flooding in southwestern B.C. as high tides and high winds collide over the weekend.

The weather agency issued a Coastal Flooding Statement late Friday morning, saying "abnormal" high tides and a low pressure weather system moving through the region could result in moderate flooding.

"The South Coast is entering a period of high astronomical tides as Earth reaches perihelion (Earth's closest point to the Sun)," the statement reads, adding that "falling atmospheric pressure will help further elevate coastal water levels beyond predicted tides."

Environment Canada is warning of debris and erosion along coastal areas, as well as localized flooding.

The South Coast and the western and eastern coastlines of Vancouver Island are included in the statement.

Environment Canada says the greatest risk of flooding will be on Sunday, Jan. 4.