A warning issued on Friday, January 26, from Environment and Climate Change Canada states that: “A series of storms bringing warm temperatures, elevated freezing levels and heavy rain will increase the potential for flooding, water pooling and possible landslides.”
Beginning today and continuing until midweek the Northern Sunshine Coast will experience heavy rainfall and warming temperatures. The Weatherhood Top 5 Ranking for the day indicates that the qathet region is the wettest, with 16.4 millimetres of rain falling today, and second windiest region, at 19 kilometre winds. Over the weekend more than 30 millimetres of rain is expected to fall with the temperature range fluctuating between seven and 11 degrees Celsius.
Environment and Climate Change Canada stated that: “A series of storms will bring periods of heavy rain to coastal BC. The very warm air mass will result in temperatures five to 10 degrees Celsius above seasonal. Freezing levels will rise to approximately 2000 metres tonight. The combination of elevated freezing levels and heavy rain will result in snow melt which will be in addition to the already heavy rainfall.”
The heavy rainfall with mountain snow melt increases the potential for flooding in river systems and water pooling on roads. Landslides, falling tree branches and power outages due to strong winds are some of the hazards Environment Canada is warning people about.
A media release from Road Safety at Work warns of potential risks to drivers in this type of storm system.
“Rain and flooding can challenge even the best drivers,” stated Trace Acres, program director for Road Safety at Work, which manages the annual Shift into Winter campaign. “Reduced visibility, slippery roads and spray can put people at risk. Any amount of pooling water and puddles can cause you to lose control of your vehicle. You don’t know how deep the water is or what’s hidden beneath the surface.”
Even small amounts of water on the road can cause hydroplaning, which affects the vehicle’s steering and braking and can happen at speeds as low as 60 kilometres an hour, according to the Road Safety at Work.
Whether you drive for work or pleasure, the safest option is not to drive if the trip isn’t essential, stated Acres.
Hundreds of millimetres of rain are forecast to fall across BC's South Coast starting on Saturday and lasting until Wednesday.
The heaviest rainfall is expected to occur between Sunday and Monday and the cumulative effects could make an impact on roads and trails systems.
For flooding updates, please refer to the River Forecast Centre: bcrfc.env.gov.bc.ca/warnings/index.htm.
The weather and flood warning was issued to the qathet region, along with the Comox Valley and Port Alberni on Vancouver Island, and the Southern Sunshine Coast.
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