Heavy Rain Causes Flood Risks in Metro Vancouver and Fraser Valley
As a potent atmospheric river unleashes heavy rain across British Columbia’s south coast, areas including Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley are on high alert for potential floods and increased streamflow. The Ministry of Water, Land, and Resource Stewardship warns that river levels are on the rise, posing a risk of breaching river banks.
According to Environment and Climate Change Canada, rainfall amounts ranging from 40 to 70 millimeters are forecasted from Tuesday to Wednesday evening. The agency highlights the concern of rising freezing levels due to warm air, leading to snowmelt and heavy rain that could result in localized flooding and high streamflows.
Meteorologist Michael Kuss from 1130 NewsRadio explains that the source of the rain extends back to near the Hawaiian Islands and is expected to intensify as it moves eastward past Vancouver Island. The heaviest rainfall is predicted for eastern Metro Vancouver and the Valley, where an ‘Orange Warning’ has been issued, signaling hazardous conditions.
The ‘Orange Warning’ covers the central Fraser Valley, including Chilliwack, east to Hope, Hope Slide, and the Highway 3 route from Hope to Princeton. Drivers are cautioned about potentially impassable roads and advised against driving through flooded areas.
Kuss forecasts that the heavy rain is likely to persist until late afternoon on Wednesday. Stay updated with live weather reports on 1130 NewsRadio Vancouver and follow @CityNewsVan and Meteorologist Michael Kuss for the latest updates and alerts.