‘Exceptional’ series of storms set to hit Vancouver Island over the next week bringing rain, wind

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WATCH: A series of five rain and wind storms will batter the region over the next week bringing plenty of rain and the potential for more wind warnings. April Lawrence reports.

Nearly 30 millimeters of rain fell in the Victoria area Tuesday while up to 80 millimeters fell on the west side of Vancouver Island — nearly 20 per cent of the entire month’s average rainfall total in just one day.

In the Capital Regional District, the wet weather has caused local creeks to swell, forcing the closure of several local beaches as stormwater overflows into the wastewater system.

“The concentration of bacteria in the water just exceeds recreational values and so there’s not too many people in the water right now it’s just sort of a precaution,” said CRD Environmental Protections Senior manager Glenn Harris.

But as intense as Tuesday’s heavy wind and rain seemed, it is just a hint of what is to come.

“We’re right in the line of fire on the south coast here, looking at the Pacific ocean there’s storm after storm lined up and aimed right at Vancouver Island,” said Environment Canada Meteorologist Matt MacDonald.

There are about four to five storms set to hit the area over the next week. The heaviest of them is expected to roll in on Friday.

“We’re probably going to see close to the monthly total worth of rain in just a week period with these back to back storms so definitely a wet period in this next week,” said MacDonald.

Municipal officials are asking people to help keep storm drains clear to prevent flooding.

There is one up side to the downpours — after a summer drought the Sooke Lake Reservoir, which supplies drinking water for the region, is getting a much needed top up.

“We’ve been sitting at 70 per cent for the last little while, we’ve had a delay through the fall season with great weather so the rains have been delayed so now we’re getting those storms they’re adding to filling up the drinking reservoir,” said Harris.

MacDonald says the weather should start to dry out by the first day of winter.

April LawrenceApril Lawrence

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