VANCOUVER — Heavy rain has returned to British Columbia’s south coast, triggering streamflow advisories and rainfall warnings for several communities in Metro Vancouver and on Vancouver Island.

Environment Canada data shows about 40 millimetres of rain fell on both Tofino and Port Alberni on Vancouver Island Wednesday, with B.C.’s River Forecast Centre saying up to 200 millimetres may fall in some areas by the end of Friday.

The rain comes as a number of frontal systems arrive over the south coast, with Environment Canada warning of up to an additional 60 millimetres Friday in Metro Vancouver communities north of the Fraser River.

The west coast of Vancouver Island was under a warning Thursday with the forecast calling for up to 100 millimetres, and it said the precipitation may increase risks for landslides in vulnerable areas such as steep slopes and deforested areas.

Environment Canada said the rain was caused by a warm front over the region that was “drawing in moist, subtropical air.”

More systems were forecast to arrive Thursday night, with up to 90 millimetres of rain expected over multiple days in parts of Metro Vancouver and 50 millimetres along parts of Vancouver Island’s east coast including Parksville, the Comox Valley and Campbell River.

The River Forecast Centre’s high streamflow advisory for the region remained in effect.

It warned motorists in the region to be cautious in areas near rivers, adding that drivers should “be prepared for driving conditions and potential road washouts” in the latest bout of heavy rain.

Environment Canada echoed that advice, urging motorists to allow extra time for travel, as there will likely be pooling water on roads and in low-lying areas.

The province’s DriveBC information system said Thursday that several stretches of highway on Vancouver Island have been slowed by pooling water, including Highway 4 between Port Alberni and Tofino, Head Bay Road from Gold River to Tahsis, as well as highways 19 and 19A between Parksville and Campbell River.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 29, 2026.