Get the rainboots ready!
Vancouver Island is set to experience a significant weather event this weekend as Environment Canada has issued two separate weather alerts for the region, warning of heavy rain from an atmospheric river.
The first alert is for the west Vancouver Island region, including areas such as Zeballos, Tahsis, and Tofino.
Beginning this evening, an atmospheric river will bring heavy rain that is expected to continue through to Saturday night, with total rainfall amounts ranging from 80 to 120 mm.
Heavy rain will first hit the northern sections of West Vancouver Island, including Zeballos and Tahsis, before slowly spreading southeastward.
For areas north of and including Tofino, rainfall will be particularly heavy tonight, easing to light rain by Saturday. However, south of Tofino, including Port Renfrew, heavy rain is expected overnight, gradually tapering to light rain by Saturday night.
The heavy downpours could lead to flash flooding and water pooling on roads. Localized flooding in low-lying areas is also possible, creating hazardous driving conditions. Drivers are urged to slow down, particularly in reduced visibility, and to stay alert for potential flash floods or water on roadways.
The second weather alert targets the areas of Qualicum Beach, Bowser, and Fanny Bay on the southern part of Vancouver Island. Rainfall is expected to begin overnight and continue until Sunday afternoon, with total rainfall amounts of up to 80 mm.
As the atmospheric river moves southeastward and weakens, the rain will start heavy but will ease off by Sunday afternoon. However, the persistent rain through the night could lead to similar risks of flash floods and localized flooding in vulnerable areas.
With rain expected to be heavy at times, drivers in these areas should also exercise caution, especially when traveling through low-lying or flood-prone areas.
