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Rainfall warning continues for Metro Vancouver as rain expected to continue through beginning of week

Make sure you are keeping your rain gear ready
rainyweatherdroplets
Rain continues to drench Vancouver.

The heavy rainfall is expected to continue into next week.

Environment Canada's rainfall warning is still in place this weekend with between 70 millimetres and 120 mm expected fall as part of the latest atmospheric river.

"Rainfall amounts for this event will vary from about 70 mm in Vancouver and 90 mm in the Fraser Valley to 100 mm closer to the mountains," says the federal agency. "Gibsons will also receive 50 to 70 mm of rain. Squamish may see up to 120 mm, but the Sea to Sky highway is expected to receive lesser amounts."

Abbotsford continues to fight floodwaters in Sumas Prairie and while the Barrowtown Pump has been able to keep up with local rains there are concerns the Nooksack River south of the U.S. border will flood. To that end, an evacuation order has been issued for homes and businesses in Huntingdon, the neighbourhood at the Sumas border crossing. 

The warning from Environment Canada notes flooding could occur as a result of the rain water and the fact snow that's already fallen this year on mountaintops may melt.

"Strong warming associated with this system has forced the freezing levels up well above the mountaintops," states the agency. "Snowmelt will contribute to runoff, increasing the risk of flooding and possibly impacting vulnerable landscapes and infrastructure."

"Heavy downpours can cause flash floods and water pooling on roads," they add. "Localized flooding in low-lying areas is possible. Watch for possible washouts near rivers, creeks and culverts."

While the atmospheric river should move on late today, wet weather will remain through the beginning of the week. Highs around 10 or 11℃ are expected through to Wednesday with rain expected each day.