Rain rain go away, come back another day.
It’s a familiar feeling across Vancouver Island this week as the province braces for a parade of atmospheric rivers bringing heavy downpours, fast-rising rivers and increasing flood risk from Vancouver Island to the Fraser Valley.
In a media release late Tuesday, the BC government is asking people to stay alert over the next few days as rainfall totals climb and saturated ground struggles to keep up.
Some regions have already recorded up to 100 millimetres of rain in the past day. Heavy rainfall occured overnight Tuesday and will continue through Wednesday, with some areas east of Hope forecast to receive more than 100 millimetres on their own.
Vancouver Island and the rest of the south and central coasts are under high streamflow advisories as rivers rise quickly with the ongoing rainfall, and minor flooding in low-lying areas is possible.
The wet weather is expected to stick around, with Victoria expecting another 15 to 25 millimetres of rain today along with strong westerly winds near Juan de Fuca Strait. Showers will continue tonight and another round of rain moves in Thursday afternoon.
Periods of rain carry through Friday, keeping ground conditions saturated.
The Province is encouraging residents to keep clear of riverbanks, watch for unstable ground and avoid driving through flooded areas, even shallow ones. People living near waterways should pay attention to sudden changes in water level or colour and report any unusual signs to local authorities.
Homeowners are also being advised to clear gutters, eavestroughs and storm drains of debris, since leaves at this time of year can quickly clog urban drainage systems. Sandbags may be available through local governments for properties in flood-prone locations.
Stay dry, Vancouver Island, and don’t forget the umbrella!
