Rain warnings expand for parts of B.C., while wind should diminish, forecaster says

VANCOUVER — Environment Canada has expanded its weather alerts for British Columbia amid a major fall storm, warning of heavy rain accompanied by strong winds over south and central parts of the province.

The forecaster says downpours should be expected for much of Thursday, amounting to anywhere from 80 to 140 millimetres, depending on the location.

Rain warnings are up for the northern and central coast and their inland sections, most of Vancouver Island and Howe Sound.

Wind warnings are in place for Prince George, the Cariboo — Chilcotin, Stuart -Nechako, and the central and Sunshine coasts, with gusts up to 90 kilometres per hour, although that will lift by late Thursday.

The B.C. River Forecast Centre has widened its flood watches and high streamflow advisories to all of the coastal and some inland sections of B.C., with the exception of Haida Gwaii, saying river levels could rise rapidly and may spill over their banks.

BC Hydro is telling customers to prepare for the wind and rain, including securing outdoor items like patio furniture and decorations, noting that 14,000 customers lost power last year when a patio furniture cover blew off a deck in White Rock and hit a substation.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 23, 2025.