Close X
Monday, December 2, 2024
ADVT 
National

Third atmospheric river to bring heavy rain

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 29 Nov, 2021 02:04 PM
  • Third atmospheric river to bring heavy rain

VANCOUVER - Environment Canada is warning that up to 200 mm of rain could drench the central coast of British Columbia and parts of Vancouver Island through to Wednesday as a third atmospheric river hits the province.

It says heavy downpours could cause water pooling on roads and flooding in low-lying areas, with snowmelt possibly adding to increased runoff with mild temperatures at higher altitudes.

The agency is also forecasting strong southerly winds over exposed coastal sections as part of a storm packing heavy rain.

Inland sections of the coast including Bella Bella are expected to get up to 120 mm of rain starting Monday evening, and motorists are being told to avoid driving through water on roads.

"Even shallow, fast-moving water across a road can sweep a vehicle or a person away," the agency says in a written statement. "Be prepared for winter conditions at higher elevations."

Heavy snow followed by freezing rain and heavy rain are being forecast for the north coast, including Kitimat, Stewart and Terrace.

Environment Canada says up to 60 mm of rain and between 10 and 40 cm of snow are expected until Tuesday night.

"Prepare for quickly changing and deteriorating travel conditions. Visibility may be suddenly reduced at times in heavy snow," the statement says.

Between 50 and 100 mm of rain is expected for Metro Vancouver, the Fraser Valley, Howe Sound, Whistler and the Sunshine Coast as the third rainstorm in less than a week is set to bring heavy rain to the region.

The weather office said more than 100 millimetres of rain drenched the Fraser Valley city of Abbotsford over the weekend, while more fell in Hope.

Flood warnings have been issued for the Coldwater, Coquihalla, Nicola and Tulameen rivers, which all caused serious flood damage earlier this month to cities and towns along their banks, including Merritt, Spences Bridge, Princeton and Hope.

A flood warning also remains in effect for the Sumas River through Abbotsford, where rising levels forced crews to set up a portable dam Sunday night to protect a key stretch of Highway 1.

The highway was remains closed indefinitely between McCallum Road in Abbotsford and Yale Road in Chilliwack because of the threat of flooding.

Abbotsford Mayor Henry Braun said the focus is on flooding of the Nooksack River in Washington state because its high waters have the potential to further inundate low-lying areas.

A social media post by the City of Sumas in Washington says floodwaters from the river continue to move north toward Canada but had not yet reached a key bridge about half a kilometre from the border.

"When that happens we will use the flood siren once again," the post said Monday.

"At that time we will recommend everyone shelter in place. Most of the roads in and out of Sumas are already closed. Please do not panic. Make any necessary preparations now."

A precautionary evacuation order was issued for some Abbotsford properties late Sunday. Several more homes were also placed on evacuation alert after a mudslide threatened properties on a hillside north of Highway 1, away from the Sumas flooding.

Public Safety Minister Mike Farnworth has said the province is prepared to use Alert Ready, a system that pushes emergency notifications directly to cellphones, if local authorities believe the next storm poses a threat to life or public safety.

MORE National ARTICLES

Third hospital in B.C. declares COVID outbreak

Third hospital in B.C. declares COVID outbreak
There have been four more deaths in the province, including three in the Northern Health area, where the health minister has said the vaccination rate is lower than the rest of the province.

Third hospital in B.C. declares COVID outbreak

Incoming army commander under investigation

Incoming army commander under investigation
Cadieu was recently promoted and a ceremony to install him as head of the army was slated for Sept. 7. A 29-year veteran of the military, Cadieu previously served in Bosnia and Afghanistan before most recently providing analysis and advice to the chief of the defence staff.

Incoming army commander under investigation

O'Toole grapples with immunization for MPs

O'Toole grapples with immunization for MPs
Mandatory immunization has been called for by the Liberals and Bloc Québécois, and supported by the NDP, as parties prepare for Parliament to resume following last month's federal election.

O'Toole grapples with immunization for MPs

605 COVID19 cases for BC

605 COVID19 cases for BC
There are 5,172 active cases of COVID-19 in the province and 187,564 people who tested positive have recovered. Of the active cases, 374 people are in hospital and 153 are in intensive care. The remaining people are recovering at home in self-isolation.    

605 COVID19 cases for BC

B.C. spends $132 million on treatment services

B.C. spends $132 million on treatment services
Sheila Malcolmson, the province's minister of mental health and addictions, says the program will include 65 new or improved services, about 130 more staff and 195 new substance-use treatment beds.

B.C. spends $132 million on treatment services

Mayors ask Liberals for transit aid

Mayors ask Liberals for transit aid
The COVID-19 pandemic has hit municipal coffers hard as cities have watched transit ridership drop along with fare revenue. At the same time, cities have seen expenses rise, leading to budget holes that mayors have repeatedly sought federal cash to fill.    

Mayors ask Liberals for transit aid