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. A rainfall warning is also in effect for the Sea to Sky Highway.
Flood Watch means river levels are rising and will approach or may overflow river banks.
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 marks the season’s first significant storm for southwest BC. Heavy rainfall is expected to continue through to 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.
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 models indicate a heightened risk of flooding, especially in the Central Coast (Kingcome River), Vancouver Island, South Coast, and Fraser Valley.
Residents in the affected areas should remain vigilant as river levels rise, with potential flooding expected in low-lying and adjacent river areas.