A storm is anticipated to bring heavy rainfall, strong winds and above seasonal temperatures to the Northern Vancouver Island Service Area over the next 24-48 hours.
Rainfall combined with melting mountain snow and elevated freezing levels will increase the risk for flooding, water pooling and landslides, according to a weather advisory from Mainroad, the contractor maintaining North Island highways. Be prepared for falling debris and potential power outages due to strong winds and saturated soil.
In addition, elevated sea surface heights are anticipated between Courtenay and Campbell River. A storm surge creating elevated river levels, seasonably high tides and large waves has the potential to produce high ocean water levels today.
Update: Elk Falls on the #CampbellRiver system.#BCStorm pic.twitter.com/RDunQmqCND
— Stephen Watson, BC Hydro (@SWatson_BCH) January 31, 2024
Coastal flooding is anticipated along the shoreline and low-laying areas. Mainroad North Island crews will be patrolling and clearing drainage areas on all service highways until the event passes and roadways are clear and back to normal. Drivers are asked to slow down and move over for all roadside workers and drive with caution.
Meanwhile, Environment Canada says a series of storms is bringing periods of heavy rain to coastal B.C. The warm airmass is producing temperatures 5 to 10 degrees Celsius above seasonal.
Freezing levels will remain around 2,000 metres through midweek. The combination of elevated freezing levels and heavy rain will result in snow melt which will be in addition to the already heavy rainfall.
The elevated freezing levels and periods of heavy rain will increase the potential for flooding, pooling water and possible landslides now through midweek in West, North, Inland and East Vancouver Island, Sunshine Coast, Metro Vancouver - North Shore including West Vancouver and North Vancouver, Howe Sound.
Heavy rainfall combined with mountain snow melt will lead to enhanced responses in river systems and the potential for flooding as well as:
- Water pooling on roads
- Risk of landslides in vulnerable areas due to heavy rain falling on already very saturated surfaces
- Potential for falling tree branches and power outages due to strong winds and saturated soil
- Travel delays are possible
For current updates on flooding advisories, refer to the River Forecast Centre: http://bcrfc.env.gov.bc.ca/warnings/index.htm
Please continue to monitor alerts and forecasts issued by Environment Canada. To report severe weather, send an email to BCstorm@ec.gc.ca or tweet reports using #BCStorm.
