The B.C. River Forecast Centre Warns of Forecast Uncertainty Due to Public Sector Strikes
The B.C. River Forecast Centre (RFC) has issued a warning about potential inaccuracies in its forecasts due to ongoing strikes by public sector workers in the province. The strikes involving the BC General Employees’ Union (BCGEU) and B.C.’s Union for Professionals (PEA) have disrupted the RFC’s data systems and operational processes.
As a result of these disruptions, RFC staff are facing challenges in accessing the usual range of information needed to produce accurate forecasts and advisories. The Centre has cautioned that the current forecasts are subject to a higher level of uncertainty and should be approached with caution.
This development coincides with Metro Vancouver, Vancouver Island, and the Sunshine Coast being placed under a high streamflow advisory, with significant rainfall of up to 70 millimetres predicted for the Lower Mainland. A powerful storm system affecting the North and Central Coast is moving southward along the B.C. coastline, leading to an anticipated rapid rise in river levels from Friday through Saturday. The rivers are expected to subside briefly before a second storm event increases flows again on Sunday and into Monday.
While the RFC suggests that the rainfall may not reach flood levels, there is a risk of road washouts due to the intense weather. The Ministry of Water, Land, and Resource Stewardship assured the public that they can still issue high streamflow advisories, flood watches, and warnings, relying on weather models to predict potential flooding events during the fall season.
Despite this assurance, the RFC advises residents to be cautious when interpreting their forecasts, given the disruptions caused by the ongoing strikes.