Environment Canada predicts a wet start for the week for residents of Greater Victoria, East Vancouver Island, and Lower Mainland.
The weather agency predicts rain amounts of 50 to 70mil Monday, except for Port Renfrew and Sooke, where it is possible to get up to 100mil. It’s warning commuters that heavy downpours can cause flash floods and water pooling on roads.
“Localized flooding in low-lying areas is possible. Watch for possible washouts near rivers, creeks and culverts,” Environment Canada says.
Monday night is expected to be mild.
Weather warnings, special weather statements and weather alerts were issued for much of southern British Columbia Monday. Environment Canada warned that heavy snowfall could be expected at inland mountain passes, and that torrential rain may fall at lower elevations.
The warning mentions the danger of localized flooding or washouts. However, the River Forecast Centre indicated that models showed that the heavy rains would fall south-bound in Washington state.
High streamflow advisories were issued in Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley. The centre also warned U.S. officials that significant flooding was possible on the American side the Nooksack River. This waterway is linked to severe flooding around Abbotsford in November.
According to the River Forecast Centre, its counterpart in the United States expected rivers to peak Tuesday. However, it did not expect levels that high to flow into Canada and overwhelm Sumas River drainage.
The storm was also expected 50 cm of snow to fall on the Kootenay Pass. However, the weather office stated that it could rain at lower elevations of highways including the Coquihalla between Hope & Merritt.
“Consider postponing non-essential travel until conditions improve,” Environment Canada said about travel along sections of Highway 3 in southeastern B.C.
— with a file from Canadian Press
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