The series of storms that has experts warning of heavy rainfall and possible flooding to Vancouver Island will continue Tuesday.
Most of Vancouver Island is covered by this special weather statement from the storms, with the exception of Greater Victoria and the Southern Gulf Islands.
Environment Canada has issued a special weather statement for West, North, Inland and East Vancouver Island, Sunshine Coast, Metro Vancouver – North Shore including West Vancouver and North Vancouver, and Howe Sound.
The storm on Tuesday will bring heavy rain and combined with mountain snow melt due to above-freezing temperatures, there is a risk for flooding, water pooling on roads, landslides and falling tree branches or power outages.
The risk of landslides is in areas with heavy rainfall that are already saturated due to previous rainfall.
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Environment Canada is not yet certain which area is expected to receive the heaviest rainfall.
“The warm airmass is producing temperatures 5 to 10 degrees Celsius above seasonal,” the special weather statement says. “Freezing levels will remain between 2000 to 2500 metres through midweek. 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 next wave of rain is expected on Wednesday morning.
The River Forecast Centre says the highest river levels are expected between Jan. 29 and 30 but may extend from Jan. 30 to Feb. 1 for lake-driven rivers.
BC Hydro has issued a regional alert for the North Island due to high winds causing widespread power outages in multiple regions. There are 712 customers without power as of 11:20 p.m. on Jan. 29.
Avalanche Canada is warning of avalanche risk in some areas of B.C. On Vancouver Island, there is a level 2 on its scale of 1-5 warning issued for areas oversawn by the organization. Level 2 is a moderate warning, meaning natural avalanches are unlikely but human-triggered avalanches are possible.
Laura Brougham
