WATCH: Rivers were roaring on Vancouver Island Tuesday ahead of a massive storm system, that’s expected to dump up to 150 mm of rainfall. It has many communities on flood watch as the first bands of the storm begin to hit. Skye Ryan with the details.

Localized flooding has been reported in the French Creek, Qualicum River and Coombs areas, the Regional District of Nanaimo said Tuesday.

On Tuesday afternoon, the Regional District of Nanaimo (RDN) said it has received reports of localized flooding in the French Creek, Qualicum River and Coombs areas.

As a response to the flooding and to be proactive, a Level 1 Emergency Operations Centre has been activated to monitor the situation and provide assistance to residents. Sandbags and sand have been delivered to the Coombs and Dashwood fire halls and are available to the public. The Dashwood fire hall is located at 230 Hobbs Road and the Coombs fire hall is at 3241 Alberni Highway.

Residents are being told they need to fill and place sandbags on their own. The regional district said it takes two people about one hour to fill and place 100 sandbags for a one foot by 20-foot wall.

?The safety of our residents is fundamental to all,? said RDN Chair Bill Veenhof in a statement. ?Our staff?s proactive approach both on the ground checking areas prone to flooding, engaging with the community and communicating how to prepare for flooding are important steps.?

WATCH: Englishman River flow on Tuesday morning

The provincial River Forecast Centre has issued high streamflow advisories Tuesday for central, eastern and southern Vancouver Island,

A storm cycle is expected to impact rivers on the island from Tuesday to Thursday with heavy rainfall forecast for 100 to 150 millimetres.

Englishman River along the Camp Douglas Trail next to Parry’s RV Park in Parksville. Photo courtesy: Catherine Bauer.

The central island advisories include Sproat River, Somass River and areas around Port Alberni.

High streamflow advisories are in effect for the Englishman River, Tsolum River, Oyster River and tributaries around Campbell River, Comox, Parksville and surrounding areas for the eastern island.

The southern island advisory is for the Chemainus River, Cowichan River, Koksilah River and surrounding areas.

Peak levels are expected Wednesday and possibly into Thursday and snowmelt is expected to contribute to river runoff. The River Forecast Centre says high tides and a moderate storm surge is likely, particularly on Thursday, and may increase river levels.

Flooding at Parry’s RV Park in Parksville Sunday. Photo courtesy Catherine Bauer.

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