Environment Canada said several heavy rainfall alerts are in effect for the B.C. Cost. (Environment Canada)
WATCH: A storm is bearing down on parts of Vancouver Island bringing with it lots of wind and rain. Even though it will taper off tomorrow, that doesn’t mean it’s over yet. Calvin To has more.
A special weather statement has been issued ahead of two fall storms expected to hit Vancouver Island this week.
The areas included in the statement are Greater Victoria, East Vancouver Island, Inland Vancouver Island and the Southern Gulf Islands.
Environment Canada said a strong and mild southwesterly flow from the Pacific Ocean is maintaining a frontal zone over the central coast. Significant rainfall is expected over the South Coast Monday night.
Several Heavy Rainfall alerts in effect for the BC Coast. Stay tuned to #BCstorm for updates. pic.twitter.com/6sxH4JvB3B
— ECCC Weather BC (@ECCCWeatherBC) October 16, 2017
According to Environment Canada, the rain will taper off on Tuesday over the coastal region. Flurries are expected at summit level for some highway passes in the B.C. Interior. after freezing levels drop slightly on Tuesday afternoon.
On Monday afternoon, Environment Canada said a wind warning was in effect for Greater Victoria and the Southern Gulf Islands. The agency said an intense cold front will cross the South Coast on Tuesday morning and strong southeast winds will shift abruptly to the southwest with gusts of 90 kilometres an hour. The winds are expected to gradually abate Tuesday afternoon.
“This is really kind of the turning point. And we had it earlier last year, even late August we had a few really good storms, but this year, this is really when fall/winter is really going to hit,” said Environment Canada meteorologist Armel Castellan.
The second fall storm is expected to arrive on the south coast early Wednesday, with wind and heavy rain. Rainfall and wind warnings may be issued. Environment Canada said it is possible falling leaves may block storm drains, which can lead to flooding. No snowfall is expected over high elevation mountain passes on Wednesday and Thursday.
North Vancouver Island and West Vancouver Island are under a rainfall warning as of Monday morning. Environment Canada said a frontal system over the central part of the province is moving southward, leading to the significant amount of rainfall over parts of the south coast. Rainfall amounts are expected to be near 100 millimetres by Tuesday morning. The rain is expected to taper off on Tuesday.
Environment Canada said heavy downpours can cause flash floods and water pooling on roads.
The B.C. River Forecast Centre has also issued a high streamflow advisory for Vancouver Island and the Central Coast. The advisory means that river levels are rising or are expected to rise rapidly, but no major flooding is expected. Minor flooding in low-lying areas is possible.
The areas included are:
- North Vancouver Island including streams Gold River, Zeballos River, and surrounding areas
- West Vancouver Island including streams in the Tofino, Bamfield and surrounding areas
- Central Vancouver Island including the Sproat River, Somass River and surrounding areas
- South Coast including the North Shore Mountains, Howe Sound, Sunshine Coast and surrounding areas
- Central Coast including the Kingcome River, Bella Coola River and surrounding areas
Environment Canada said loose objects may be tossed by the wind, tree branches may break and power lines could be downed.
“Public Works will go out and we’ll have to close a road down for either hydro or the fire department to get in there and make it safe, and parks will spend extra money if it’s after-hours to get crews in to cut up trees and take down limbs,” said Ed Robertson, Assistant Director of Public Works for the City of Victoria.
The City of Victoria is asking residents to gather leaves and either leave them in the boulevard for pickup or call 250-361-0600 to arrange for a pickup within five working days.
Residents are asked to put the leaves in loose piles, wire mesh bags or in tied, clear 100 per cent compostable bags.
Alexa Huffman
