Environment Canada has issued a special weather statement for Howe Sound and surrounding areas, warning of heavy rain and strong winds expected this weekend. The affected areas include Metro Vancouver, the Fraser Valley, Howe Sound, Whistler, the Sunshine Coast, and Vancouver Island, excluding Victoria and the Southern Gulf Islands.
The weather system is set to begin Friday afternoon and continue through Sunday morning, bringing significant hazards such as water pooling on roads, swollen rivers and creeks, and an increased risk of washouts, rockfalls, and landslides. Power outages are also possible due to wind damage.
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The region will be impacted by an atmospheric river, with rainfall expected to reach 40 to 70 mm across much of the area, while totals in the coastal mountains could be as high as 100 mm. West Vancouver Island may experience even higher amounts, with rainfall up to 200 mm in some locations. In addition, southeast solid wind gusts of up to 80 km/h are forecast for Saturday, particularly affecting Vancouver Island, the Sunshine Coast, and coastal parts of Metro Vancouver.
Residents are advised to take precautions by clearing drains of leaves and securing loose outdoor objects ahead of the storm. The rain and wind are expected to ease by Sunday afternoon.
Environment Canada urges people to monitor weather updates and report any severe weather by emailing BCstorm@ec.gc.ca or tweeting reports using #BCStorm.
