Gale force winds and torrid rainfall are expected to besiege coastal British Columbia, and locals are cautioned to stay clear of rapid streams. Areas of Vancouver Island, the central coast, and Haida Gwaii are predicted to receive up to 200 millimetres of rainfall, resulting in possible power outages and structural damage.
Western Vancouver Island is likely to bear the worst of the meteorological onslaught receiving between 180 to 200 millimetres of rain by Wednesday. This severe weather warning was delivered by Environment and Climate Change Canada early Tuesday. They explained that a Pacific weather formation is set to converge on the region today, bringing excessive moisture from subtropical zones. The forecasters anticipate rainfall to commence this morning, intensify towards the evening, and persist through Wednesday.
Regions inland and on the Eastern side of Vancouver Island will receive between 60 and 120 millimetres of rain. Additionally, the northern Vancouver Island, central coastal areas, and Haida Gwaii will be subjected to stout southeasterly winds reaching a peak speed of 110 km/h.
Environment Canada has cautioned coastal inhabitants to brace for potential power outages due to falling tree limbs, and possible damage to property. A heightened stream flow advisory for Vancouver Island, the Sunshine Coast, and Howe Sound has been issued by the B.C. River Forecast Centre. The advisory forewarns of rapidly rising river levels caused by the heavy precipitation.
Motorists have been advised to be vigilant of the road conditions, and avoid attempting to cross flooded roadways. Travel guidance for Highway 4, to the east of Port Alberni, is also in effect, warning travellers of possible debris on the roads due to the rain washing it loose from the wildfire damaged trees and destabilized soil on the cliffs above.
