Robust atmospheric river has southern B.C. on alert
An atmospheric river arriving early next week could pose a flood risk for portions of southern British Columbia
A significant stream of moisture moving toward the West Coast will fuel several back-to-back rounds of heavy precipitation heading into early next week.
This robust atmospheric river could reach scale-topping intensity as it washes over parts of the U.S. Pacific Northwest, and British Columbia will certainly feel its effects.
River flooding will be a concern with the persistent rainfall across the region.
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Moisture arrives this weekend and lingers into next week
This prolonged event will see multiple rounds of precipitation move into the B.C. coast over the next couple of days.
One round of rain arriving this weekend looks to bring 30-80 mm of rainfall to the Lower Mainland, with the highest totals likely north of the Fraser River. This weekend’s precipitation will serve as a sample for what’s to come early next week.
The atmospheric river moving into the West Coast will hit B.C. with AR-3 intensity, which means the region will see beneficial rains that could prove hazardous in spots. Folks south of the border in coastal Washington could see significant flooding as forecasters expect the moisture supply to reach scale-topping AR-5 intensity there.
The Lower Mainland is on track for another 40-60 mm of rain during the main event on Monday and Tuesday. Freezing levels will rise above 1500 m to start the week. Some higher elevation spots in the Coast Mountains will likely measure snowfall in metres in the days ahead.
Given the prolonged and persistent rainfall moving into the region, residents are advised to watch for pooling and ponding on area roadways. River flooding is also possible as local waterways struggle to keep up with the excess runoff.
Stay with The Weather Network for the latest on conditions across British Columbia.