The River Forecast Centre has issued a flood watch for several areas in coastal British Columbia, including the Central Coast, South Coast, Lower Fraser tributaries, and Vancouver Island, due to an approaching atmospheric river system expected to bring significant rainfall. Flood Watch means river levels are rising and will approach or may exceed bankfull. Flooding of areas adjacent to affected rivers may occur.
Affected Areas
The flood watch applies to the following regions:
- Central Coast: Kingcome River and Owikeeno River.
- South Coast: Sunshine Coast, Howe Sound, Sea-to-Sky, and surrounding tributaries, including Sechelt, Squamish, and Whistler.
- Lower Fraser Tributaries: Lillooet River and rivers around Pemberton, Metro Vancouver, Lower Mainland, and Fraser Valley.
- Vancouver Island
A major atmospheric river system is forecast to arrive on Friday, marking the season’s first significant storm for southwest BC. Heavy rainfall is expected to continue through Sunday, with the heaviest downpours likely on the western parts of Vancouver Island and the South Coast. Rainfall totals are projected to range from 80 mm to 150 mm, with higher elevations potentially seeing between 200 mm and 300 mm. Interior mountain regions could receive 30 mm to 80 mm, with up to 100 mm in elevated areas.
River Conditions and Flood Risk
Rivers are expected to rise rapidly beginning Friday, with peak flows likely through Saturday and Sunday. The River Forecast Centre’s hydrologic models indicate a heightened risk of flooding, especially in the Central Coast (Kingcome River), Vancouver Island, South Coast, and Fraser Valley, where water levels could reach flows typical of 5-year to 20-year flood events.
The US National Weather Service’s current modeling shows a low probability of flood flows in the Nooksack River; however, officials caution that this outlook could change if the storm shifts south or lingers over the region.
Residents in the affected areas should remain vigilant as river levels rise, with potential flooding expected in low-lying and adjacent river areas. Authorities advise staying updated with local weather forecasts and following any emergency instructions issued by officials.
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