Environment Canada cautions of another ‘atmospheric river’ bringing up to 200mm of rain to Vancouver Island

Environment Canada is cautioning residents in specific areas of Vancouver Island about a new ‘atmospheric river’ weather system expected to bring heavy rains over the next few days.

The weather agency says that a prolonged period of heavy rain is forecasted to hit the Island starting Monday night and last through Wednesday.

The atmospheric river will dump heavy rain on the Central Coast, North Vancouver Island and West Vancouver Island, according to Environment Canada — with the agency specifically outlining the areas north of Tofino including Zeballos and Tahsis.

Experts with the agency suggest that rainfall will total between 100 to 200mm during the prolonged period.

The rain will hit the Central Coast and Northern Vancouver Island starting tonight and spread to West Vancouver Island by early Tuesday morning.

Strong southerly winds over exposed coastal sections are also anticipated to strike the Island by Tuesday morning as well.

“Heavy downpours can cause water pooling on roads. Localized flooding in low-lying areas is possible. Rising freezing levels and snowmelt may contribute to increased runoff,” reads a statement from Environment Canada.

This atmospheric river marks the third storm in less than a week to hit the west coast of Vancouver Island.

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