Most of Vancouver Island is under a special weather statement on Monday due to a risk of heavy rain and flooding, according to Environment Canada.
All of Vancouver Island except for Greater Victoria is covered by the statement issued Monday morning, which is expected to last into Tuesday morning.
The series of storms is expected to bring warm temperatures, contributing to snow melt, and periods of heavy rain that will increase the risk of flooding, pooling water and possible landslides.
The special weather statement has been issued for West, North, Inland and East Vancouver Island, Sunshine Coast, Metro Vancouver – North Shore including West Vancouver and North Vancouver, Howe Sound.
Environment Canada says it is not yet certain which area is expected to receive the heaviest rainfall.
“The very warm airmass will result in temperatures 5 to 10 degrees Celsius above seasonal,” the special weather statement says.
“Freezing levels will continue to hover between the 2000 and 2700 metre mark and will remain at those levels through until end of week. The combination of elevated freezing levels and heavy rain will result in snow melt which will be in addition to the already heavy rainfall.”
The heaviest rainfall is expected through the day on Monday and will ease off by Tuesday morning. The next wave of rain is expected by Wednesday morning.
All of Vancouver Island is under a flood watch by B.C.’s River Forecast Centre.
“Peak river levels are expected to occur in most areas on Monday to Tuesday and may extend from Tuesday to Thursday for lake-driven rivers,” the flood watch says. “On Vancouver Island this includes the Gold River, Salmon River, Somass/Sproat Rivers, Englishman River, Qualicum River, Chemainus River, Cowichan River and other surrounding rivers.”
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Laura Brougham
