Just after 5am, Oct. 17 Environment Canada issued a special weather statement with impacts forecast to be felt Friday afternoon through Sunday morning throughout the lower Sunshine Coast area.
"An atmospheric river will impact B.C. and bring a prolonged period of heavy rain to the South Coast. Rain is expected to begin around noon on Friday and continue into Sunday morning. Rainfall totals are forecast to reach 40 to 70 mm in general and up to 100 mm along the coastal mountains. Local amounts over West Vancouver Island could reach 200 mm. Strong southeast wind gusts up to 80 km/h will also impact areas of Vancouver Island, Sunshine Coast and Metro Vancouver nearest the water on Saturday. The rain and wind will ease by Sunday afternoon" that statement reads.
According to Weatherhood there is a 99 per cent chance of rain for Sechelt on Friday and Saturday, and the volumes of precipitation expected in that area are 23 and 89 millimetres respectively.
Hazards that Environment Canada warns the public to be aware of during what is anticipated to be the first major storm of the 2024/2025 fall/winter season include water pooling on the roads, swollen rivers and creeks and the potential for washouts, rockfall, and landslides. Power outages possible from tree damage due to winds.
Along with a focus today on earthquake preparedness during the "Great BC Shakeout" (at 10:17 a.m.), residents of our area are advised to ensure that drains are clear of leaves and debris and secure loose objects, before the storm arrives.
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