Environment Canada has issued rainfall warnings for parts of Vancouver Island Sunday, with forecasters calling for heavy rain and elevated freezing levels as a stronger frontal system pushes onto the coast.
A rainfall warning is in effect for West and Inland Vancouver Island, including Port Alberni, where Environment Canada says totals near 120 millimetres are expected from late Sunday afternoon through early Monday afternoon.
While lighter rain is falling Sunday morning, the heaviest precipitation is expected overnight, driven by a southwesterly flow. Forecasters also warn freezing levels could rise to near 2,800 metres, increasing the risk of additional runoff.
Drivers are being urged to allow extra travel time and watch for pooling water and potential washouts near creeks, rivers and culverts.
A second rainfall warning covers East Vancouver Island from Nanoose Bay to Fanny Bay, where around 50 millimetres is expected Sunday night through Monday afternoon, with the heaviest rain forecast overnight. Freezing levels are also expected to climb to around 2,700 metres before dropping again with the front’s passage Monday afternoon.
Flood watch issued for Englishman River
A high streamflow advisory remains in effect for all of Vancouver Island, meaning minor flooding in low-lying areas is possible. Meanwhile a flood watch has been issued for the Englishman River near Parksville, meaning “river levels are rising and will approach or may exceed bankfull. Flooding of areas adjacent to affected rivers may occur.”
The warnings come as parts of B.C.’s Lower Mainland continue to deal with the impacts of heavy rain, including flooding that temporarily closed Highway 1 near Abbotsford before the province said the route reopened in both directions late Sunday morning.
Environment Canada is reminding people not to drive through flooded roads and to continue monitoring alerts and forecasts. Reports of severe weather can be sent to BCstorm@ec.gc.ca
or shared on X using #BCStorm.
