BURST
Residents of B.C.’s South Coast are bracing for heavy rain, fast-flowing rivers and possible washouts in some places like the North Shore mountains Friday.
A rainfall warning remains in effect, with up to 80 millimetres of rain expected in parts of Metro Vancouver, the lower Sunshine Coast and Howe Sound. The rainfall will likely be heaviest during Friday’s afternoon commute.
In response to the warning for extreme rain, the Shipyards Night Market in North Vancouver has cancelled Friday evening’s events “for the safety and comfort of all.”
Meantime, B.C.’s River Forecast Centre has issued a high streamflow advisory for Howe Sound, the Sea to Sky region, Pemberton and the North Shore mountains.
The provincial government agency says rivers are expected to rise rapidly on Friday, and potentially into early Saturday as heavy rain is expected at higher elevations.
In glacial rivers, such as the Squamish River, streamflow is already high because of warm weather and run-off from glacial melt, the advisory said.
These rivers may experience enhanced hazard for high flow during this period, it added.
The agency warns that high flows and rapid rises in rivers can pose a hazard for road washouts and recreation activities near rivers.
Environment and Climate Change Canada issued the rainfall warning on Thursday, saying that unseasonable moisture is expected to cross B.C.’s South Coast on Friday.
It says the system will bring strong winds and rain that will become heavier throughout in the day, with up to 80 millimetres expected at higher elevations.
The bulletin says the rain is expected to taper off in the late evening on the Sunshine Coast and after midnight across eastern Metro Vancouver.
The federal weather agency is warning about the potential for limited visibility during the downpours, and says water pooling on roadways will raise the risk of hydroplaning.
With files from The Canadian Press