The River Forecast Centre is maintaining a Flood Watch for the North Shore as a series of atmospheric rivers impacts coastal British Columbia.
A Flood Watch signals that rivers may overflow their banks. Authorities say the warning is significant because heavy rain and snowmelt are occurring simultaneously, increasing the risk of localized flooding, overbank flow, swift water hazards, and landslides.
Rainfall warnings are in effect, with 75 to 150 millimetres expected on the North Shore from Saturday through Monday. Temperatures are forecast to rise into next week, with potential snowmelt of 25 to 100 millimetres through Tuesday on mid-elevation terrain in the North Shore Mountains and Howe Sound.
Localized high river flows are expected due to heavy rainfall and rain-on-snow melt. Peak river levels are forecast through Monday. Flows may reach or exceed five-year to 10-year levels in areas under Flood Watch.
Residents are urged to stay away from riverbanks, avoid driving through flooded roads or washouts, check road conditions on DriveBC, and review personal flood response plans. The River Forecast Centre continues to monitor conditions and will provide updates as needed.
