The B.C. River Forecast Centre has upgraded Vancouver Island and the Sunshine Coast to a flood watch.
The upgrade follows last week’s high streamflow advisory amid heavy rain across the region.
Officials said a series of atmospheric rivers began to affect B.C. on Sunday and are expected to continue through the week. They urged people to stay clear of swift-running rivers and never drive across flooded roads, bridges or river crossings.
“The first of these storms is currently impacting the province, with the heaviest rainfall occurring over Vancouver Island, the North Coast and areas of the Central and South Coast,” the River Forecast Centre said in a statement. “Rainfall totals for this event, so far, range from up to 200 to 275 mm for western Vancouver Island, 30 to 90 mm for eastern Vancouver Island.”
On Sunday, the province advised west coast residents to be vigilant and use caution, as more stormy weather and elevated flood hazards are expected throughout the area.
“The current forecast is for this storm to be less severe than earlier during the week of Dec. 7-13,” the province said. “However, high streamflow, flooded areas and ground saturation could lead to persistent flood hazards on Sunday and Monday.”
A flood watch is issued when river levels are rising and will approach or may exceed their banks, and flooding of areas adjacent to affected rivers may occur.
Click here for more information from the B.C. River Forecast Centre.
– Article includes files from B.C. River Forecast Centre
