Province warns of possible flooding on Vancouver Island due to rainy forecast

The rains have finally arrived in Victoria to break an over 90 day dry spell in the city.

With rain in the forecast for the next week, it’s beginning to feel much more like fall in Victoria. 

However, with rain, comes the risk of atmospheric rivers and flooding as we learnt last year around this time. 

Last November, the Malahat was among many highways that were washed out due to heavy rainfall. 

In addition to road closures, some areas of the lower mainland were so badly flooded that the province declared a state of emergency.

With all of that still fresh in the minds of British Columbians, the government is helping some communities prepare for the worst case scenario.

When rains return after a prolonged period of dry conditions, the River Forecast Centre monitors the forecast closely.

Dry soil can increase water runoff and river flows in most watersheds. The ground will start to absorb the rainfall, but the initial transition to heavy rainfall can cause extensive flooding.

The province is encouraging people who live near rivers and streams that have flooded in the past to monitor weather and river conditions closely during this transition time.

Weather conditions such as last November’s are rare in the grand scheme of BC’s weather patterns, but given unpredictable weather patterns, are still a possibility.

To prepare for the worst, Emergency Management BC (EMBC) is taking action by:

• Deploying four million sandbags to local governments to protect homes and public infrastructure.
• Deploying or pre-position sandbag machines to areas of flood concern or potential flood concern throughout the province.
• Deploying 10 kilometres of gabions, which are wall-like structures filled with sand, and 32 kilometres of tiger dams, which are stackable orange tubes filled with water.
• Extending its use of Alert Ready to issue broadcast intrusive alerts on behalf of communities to warn British Columbians of imminent threats due to flooding.
• In 2020, EMBC launched a digital registration system for Emergency Support Services (ESS) to provide timely access to support. Earlier this year, ESS was expanded to include direct payment to evacuees through Interac e-Transfer.
• Holding regular regional co-ordination calls with First Nations and communities to assist with preparedness.
• The River Forecast Centre is monitoring weather patterns and river conditions, and remains vigilant for a potential rapid transition toward extreme wet weather that could contribute to increased flood hazard.

EMBC recommends people who live in flood zones develop a household plan, put together emergency kits, connect with neighbours regarding flood plans and learn about local government emergency response plans for their area.

The province says recognition of danger signs are the most important thing residents of flood prone areas can have. Common signs of an incoming flood include a rapid change in water level and a change in colour.

It’s also important that residents steer clear of shorelines in case they collapse. Don’t go near the water because the risk of a landslide is high.

PreparedBC’s website has more information in their Flood Preparedness Guide. The guide contains useful information to help people better protect themselves and their homes.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Food especially encourages farmers, ranchers and food producers who face flood-related risks to make sure they have an emergency plan in place.