Nanaimo Search and Rescue is warning residents not to be alarmed if they see lights and activity along Mount Benson on Saturday night.
The volunteer group says it’s conducting a night training exercise on the mountain, which includes members-in-training setting up overnight shelters and doing night hiking.
That training will likely be the source of any flickering lights or movement that people may see on the mountain overnight.
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The warning comes as a series of storms arrives over coastal British Columbia, including on Vancouver Island.
Special weather statements related to the storms are in effect for all of Vancouver Island, except for Greater Victoria.
From Saturday to Monday, heavy rain is expected to fall across the Island – except for the southern tip – bringing with it a chance for flooding.
Warming temperatures mixed with the rain could rapidly melt snow pack on the Island, creating a flood risk.
A flood watch is in effect for all of Vancouver Island, meaning rivers may quickly rise, with water levels reaching to the top of, or spilling over, riverbanks.
READ MORE: Atmospheric rivers roll over B.C., melting snow and triggering flood warnings
Adam Chan
