Vancouver Island has been dealing with days of steady and, at times, heavy rainfall, with little relief in sight as an atmospheric river continues to impact large parts of the region.
According to Environment Canada, parts of the island have already recorded close to 90 millimetres of rain over the weekend, with an additional 30 to 50 millimetres expected before rainfall finally begins to taper off later today.
Rain warnings remain in effect for several regions, including west Vancouver Island, inland Vancouver Island, and parts of east Vancouver Island from Nanoose Bay to Fanny Bay.
On the west Vancouver Island, total rainfall amounts are expected to reach between 170 and 250 millimetres by the time the system weakens. Environment Canada says between 120 and 190 millimetres has already fallen, with another 50 to 80 millimetres still possible before heavier rain eases to lighter showers tonight.
Inland Vancouver Island is also seeing a significant amount of rain, with total rainfall expected to reach between 120 and 140 millimetres. About 90 millimetres has already been recorded, with another 30 to 50 millimetres forecast before conditions improve.
Meanwhile, communities along east Vancouver Island between Nanoose Bay and Fanny Bay can expect near 75 millimetres of rain from this system.
Heavy rain is expected to ease to light or moderate rainfall this morning.
Emergency Management Cowichan issued an evacuation order Monday morning for Chemainus Road, Swallowfield Road and Crofton Road due to risk of flooding. Anyone in the impacted area are being advised to leave immediately.
The order affects the Chemainus Bridge area and includes the following properties:
- 8659 Swallowfield Road
- 8635 Swallowfield Road
- 8421 Chemainus Road
- 8506 Chemainus Road
- 8377 Chemainus Road
- 8976 Crofton Road
- 8360 Chemainus Road
- 8348 Chemainus Road
- 8335 Chemainus Road
- 9023/9019 Crofton Road
Emergency Management Cowichan has issued an Evacuation Order for Chemainus Rd, Swallowfield Rd & Crofton Rd due to risk of #BCFlood. Anyone in the impacted area must leave immediately. More info, addresses & map: https://t.co/xzevrakWkE https://t.co/bzKylDcWMS pic.twitter.com/xbLd30INWs
— Emergency Info BC (@EmergencyInfoBC) January 12, 2026
Environment Canada warns that water pooling on roads and in low-lying areas is likely, and visibility may be suddenly reduced at times. There is also an increased risk of landslides in vulnerable areas, including steep slopes, deforested regions, and recent burn scars.
Motorists are urged to use caution, avoid driving through flooded roadways, and allow extra travel time as conditions remain hazardous.
Residents are advised to continue monitoring forecasts and alerts as the system moves through the region.
