Rare orange rainfall warning issued for parts of Vancouver Island

After several days of powerful storms, Vancouver Island is bracing for another significant round of heavy rain, prompting Environment Canada to issue a rare orange rainfall warning.

The warning was issued Monday afternoon, November 9th, with forecasters predicting between 150 and 200 mm of rain across western and central Vancouver Island, with localized amounts potentially exceeding 250 mm.

Environment Canada has classified the warning as orange, indicating a high-impact weather event, with high confidence in the forecast.

The latest system comes after several days of relentless rain and damaging winds that brought down trees, knocked out power to thousands of homes and businesses and left parts of Vancouver Island dealing with the aftermath.

Now, another substantial amount of rain is expected to fall on already saturated areas, raising concerns about flooding, rising rivers and landslides.

According to Environment Canada, a powerful frontal system is expected to reach Vancouver Island early Tuesday morning, November 10th.

Rain will intensify throughout the morning, becoming heavy at times and continuing into Wednesday.

Although the heaviest rainfall is expected to ease by Wednesday morning, additional precipitation could continue through Thursday morning.

Environment Canada warns that localized flooding is likely in the hardest-hit areas, with some roads potentially becoming impassable.

Landslides may also occur in vulnerable locations, including steep slopes, deforested areas and recent wildfire burn scars. Residents are being advised to stay away from rivers, creeks and culverts as water levels rise.

While the orange rainfall warning is focused on western and central Vancouver Island, Greater Victoria is also expected to see another stretch of wet weather.

Rain is forecast for Tuesday, with periods of heavier precipitation possible as the storm system moves across the region.

Temperatures are expected to reach approximately 14°C on Tuesday, with additional rain possible Wednesday.

Greater Victoria was not included in the orange rainfall warning, although residents may still experience wet roads, pooling water and localized drainage issues.

Other parts of Vancouver Island under rainfall warnings

Environment Canada has also issued yellow rainfall warnings for portions of eastern and northern Vancouver Island.

Communities between Nanoose Bay and Campbell River are expected to receive between 50 and 100 mm of rain from Tuesday morning through Wednesday morning.

Rainfall is forecast to intensify Tuesday afternoon before gradually easing Wednesday.

The weather agency warns that water may accumulate on roads and in low-lying areas, while heavy rain could reduce visibility and increase the risk of landslides.

Flood watch issued for much of Vancouver Island

Adding to the concern, the BC River Forecast Centre upgraded several regions of Vancouver Island to a flood watch Monday afternoon.

The watch covers northern, western, central and eastern Vancouver Island, along with portions of BC’s South Coast.

A flood watch means rivers are rising or are expected to rise and could approach or exceed their banks, potentially causing flooding in surrounding areas.

The designation does not mean flooding is occurring everywhere under the watch, but signals an increased risk as heavy rainfall moves into the region.

Residents are being urged to stay clear of fast-flowing rivers and unstable riverbanks.

With another powerful system approaching, residents are encouraged to monitor weather alerts and prepare for possible travel disruptions, flooding and additional weather-related impacts.

Drivers travelling across Vancouver Island should check DriveBC for the latest highway conditions, particularly along routes vulnerable to flooding and landslides.

The heaviest rainfall is expected Tuesday and into Wednesday, with unsettled conditions continuing into Thursday.