A significant weather event known as an atmospheric river is currently impacting various regions of British Columbia. Vancouver Island, the Fraser Valley, and the Skagit Valley are experiencing the brunt of this weather system with heavy rain and potential flooding.
Environment Canada has issued multiple warnings across different parts of the province. While eastern Vancouver Island and the southern Interior are facing heavy rain, northern and southeastern B.C. are being cautioned about snow and cold temperatures.
The forecast predicts up to 110 millimetres of rain in the Fraser and Skagit valleys and the eastern side of Vancouver Island by Wednesday evening. This heavy rainfall is expected to lead to high stream flows and localized flooding in these areas.
Snowfall warnings have been issued for Yoho and Kootenay parks, the northern coast, and the Willison area, where 15 to 25 centimetres of snowfall is anticipated before conditions ease off on Wednesday.
In addition, extremely cold temperatures are a concern in areas bordering Yukon, with temperatures expected to drop as low as minus 45 with wind chill in the Cassiar Mountains and Watson Lake.
The BC River Forecast Centre has issued a flood watch for lower Fraser River tributaries in the Fraser Valley and the southern Interior, while high streamflow advisories are in effect for Vancouver Island, most of the B.C. coast, and the rest of the southern Interior.