Metro Vancouverites are advised to wear rain gear over the weekend as an atmospheric river drenches the B.C. south coast.
Environment Canada Meteorologist Colin Fong tells V.I.A. the rain will start falling near midnight on Friday, March 7, and will continue through Saturday, producing heavy rainfall across the northern portions of Metro Vancouver and lighter rain across southern areas.
Intense rain is expected to continue through Saturday. However, rainfall amounts may ease for about 12 hours starting overnight as the system "wobbles north," he adds.
A second pulse on Sunday is expected as the system moves south again and hoovers over the region.
The department has issued a rainfall warning for Vancouver, Burnaby, New Westminster, Coquitlam, Maple Ridge, and the North Shore including West Vancouver and North Vancouver. Rainfall amounts of 75 to 120 mm are expected until Sunday afternoon.
Metro Vancouver weather forecast includes varying rainfall amounts with weekend storm
Southern parts of the Lower Mainland may see significantly less rainfall, with expected amounts starting around 30 mm.
"As we progress into the North Shore mountains we can see up to 120 mm," he noted.
Some light showers are expected Monday morning after the system moves into Washington. However, our southern neighbours will likely be spared the torrential downpour. The system will hover over Metro Vancouver over the weekend and release most of its moisture before moving further south.
Fong adds that some wind may accompany the heavy rainfall, gusting up to 50 to 60 km/h on Saturday and Sunday.
Environment Canada warns that "heavy downpours can cause flash floods and water pooling on roads." Localized flooding is also possible in low-lying areas.
Stay up-to-date with hyperlocal forecasts across 50 neighbourhoods in the Lower Mainland with V.I.A.'s Weatherhood.
