Following today’s storm which is expected to deliver 40-80mm to the South Coast mountains, a stronger surge of sub-tropical moisture will reach the South Coast of BC beginning Wednesday morning. The “Atmospheric River” will deliver heavy rain to the Coast Range and strong southerly winds to exposed coastal sections. Currently, Environment Canada is expecting 80-180mm of rain over the mountains between Wednesday morning and Thursday evening. As indicated by the red shading in the below image, the heaviest amounts are expected along the western side of Vancouver Island, the North Shore Mountains extending northwards to Squamish and eastwards to the Fraser Valley, as well as the Sunshine Coast extending up to the Central Coast. The strongest winds are expected Wednesday evening with the passage of the front. The highest winds can be expected along coastal areas exposed to southerly winds including the headlands of Vancouver Island and over the Strait of Georgia.
Given the strong southerly circulation, freezing levels will rise to approximately 2500m early Wednesday morning. This will result in a rain-on-snow event below 2500m.
If you have any questions about our preparedness plans for Anacla, please contact Amelia Vos (amelia.v@huuayaht.org) at 1.888.644.4555 / 250.728.3414
Weather Event Impacts:
Potential localized urban flooding and power outages.
Weather Event Estimated Start Time and Duration:
Wednesday morning through Thursday evening.
Confidence Level:
HIGH Weather models are now in good agreement with the onset and the amounts of this rainfall event. Please monitor the latest forecasts and warnings. Heavy rainfall warnings are issued for the following criteria:
Recommendations:
Ensure culverts and storm drains are free of debris. Prepare for potential power outages. Monitor forecasts and alerts for updates.
For updates and alerts:
Environment Canada Forecasts: www.weather.gc.ca/forecast/canada/index_e.html?id=BC
Environment Canada Alerts: www.weather.gc.ca/warnings/index_e.html?prov=bc
BC River Forecast Centre Flood Warnings & Advisories: http://bcrfc.env.gov.bc.ca/warnings/index.htm
Environment Canada Weather Blog:
www.avalanche.ca/weather
Matt MacDonald
Acting Warning Preparedness Meteorologist
Prediction and Services Directorate – Operations West
Meteorological Services of Canada
Environment Canada