Atmospheric river system set to drench B.C.’s south coast on election weekend

VANCOUVER — Environment Canada is warning of an incoming atmospheric river weather system that will bring “prolonged heavy rain” to British Columbia’s south coast this election weekend.

It says the “first significant storm of the season” is set to hit around noon Friday and last through Sunday, bringing up to 200 millimetres of rain, potentially soaking provincial election day on Saturday.

The weather agency says in a special weather statement that the system will affect Metro Vancouver, the Fraser Valley, Howe Sound, Whistler, the Sunshine Coast and Vancouver Island, bringing up to 70 millimetres of rain in general but up to 100 millimetres along coastal mountains and twice that on parts of the island.

Environment Canada says the heavy rain will be accompanied by strong winds, with gusts reaching 80 kilometres an hour close to the water.

The agency is warning residents to beware of swollen rivers and creeks, increased risk of rockfalls and landslides, and power outages due to fallen trees.

It says the rain and wind are expected to ease by Sunday afternoon.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 16, 2024.