Vancouver Island, Vancouver and Fraser Valley under flood watch as atmospheric river batters B.C.
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The Fraser Valley Regional District has issued an evacuation alert for areas near the Chilliwack River, citing “potential danger to life and safety” due to high river flows as an atmospheric river moves through the region.
The district says the alert includes all lands between Allison Pool and Chilliwack Lake near the river or within its floodplain, and is encouraging residents to make a plan and pack essential items in the event they need to leave abruptly.
Rainfall warnings are in effect for most of Vancouver Island and B.C.’s coastal regions with Environment Canada saying heavy rain is expected to continue into Monday.
Earlier on Sunday, B.C.’s River Forecast Centre expanded its flood watch advisories to cover all of Vancouver Island as an atmospheric river moves through the region.
Central, eastern and southern Vancouver Island were upgraded to the status as of 11 a.m. , joining northern and western Vancouver Island as well as B.C.’s south coast, Fraser Valley and Metro Vancouver regions already under that classification.
The centre says prolonged periods of heavy rain are expected alongside warmer temperatures and added runoff due to “rain-on-snow melt,” noting that peak river levels are expected until Monday on Vancouver Island and the south coast.
The advisory comes alongside warnings issued by Environment Canada, which say heavy rain is expected to continue into Monday.
B.C. River Forecast Centre expanded its flood-watch advisories to cover all of Vancouver Island, as well as B.C.’s south coast, Fraser Valley and Metro Vancouver regions. High-streamflow advisories are in place for Haida Gwaii and the north, central and south coasts. (B.C. River Forecast Centre)
The weather office says up to 200 mm of rain is expected along the west side of Vancouver Island, up to 135 mm is expected in the island’s inland region, while 100 mm is expected on the eastern side.
It says up to 150 mm is also expected in Metro Vancouver while up to 100 mm is expected in the Fraser Valley before easing Monday night.
Environment Canada says the north coast including Kitimat will also see a frontal system moving through the region, bringing heavy rain throughout Sunday before tapering off around midnight — though it notes periods of rain are expected until Tuesday.
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The River Forecast Centre’s advisory says it is also maintaining high streamflow advisories for Haida Gwaii and the north, central and south coasts along with the Lower Fraser region.
“Expected impacts include the potential for road washouts, localized flooding, overbank flow, swift water hazards and landslides,” the Sunday advisory says.
“Extra vigilance is appropriate through the weekend and into Monday, with the expectation that this weather pattern could lead to escalating flood hazard.”
