An atmospheric river is set to bring heavy rain to the South Coast of British Columbia. Environment and Climate Change Canada has issued an orange warning for parts of the Fraser Valley, including Chilliwack, Hope, and sections of Highway 3. Rainfall amounts of 70 to 100 millimetres are expected from Tuesday night to Wednesday evening due to warm air raising freezing levels and combined snowmelt with saturated ground.
Metro Vancouver, the western Fraser Valley, and parts of Vancouver Island are under a yellow warning, with forecasts predicting 50 to 80 mm of rain. Drivers are cautioned about poor visibility and potential road pooling.
A flood watch has been issued for lower Fraser River tributaries in the Fraser Valley and southern Interior, including Abbotsford, Chilliwack, and Hope. River levels are rising, raising the risk of flooding in adjacent areas. A high streamflow advisory is in place for central and south coast regions, with river levels expected to rise rapidly.
Environment Canada’s updated weather warning system uses color-coded alerts to indicate weather impact and preparation levels. Yellow alerts signal hazardous weather with localized effects, while orange alerts indicate severe weather with widespread impacts lasting for days. Red alerts are rare and signify life-threatening weather causing extreme damage and prolonged disruption.
The new system aims to provide clear and accurate alerts for Canadians amid increasing extreme weather events. Environment Minister Julie Dabrusin emphasized the importance of improving severe weather reporting to help individuals make informed decisions to protect themselves and their property.