Summer’s Worth of Rain to Hit Vancouver Over the Weekend

If you’re planning on heading down to the coast this weekend slow down and use caution while driving, as the weather in Metro Vancouver is expected to be extremely heavy at times and flash floods are a possibility.

According to Environment Canada, a substantial amount of rain is expected to fall overnight, thanks to an incoming storm from the south, tapping into subtropical moisture.

Showers are forecasted to hit Howe Sound and the North Shore, beginning Friday evening and continuing through until Saturday. The total amount of rain for this region is expected to reach 50 to 80 millimetres.

Some areas in Metro Vancouver south of the North Shore can anticipate lighter showers, due to rain shadowing effects produced by the Olympic Mountains.

However, another storm system is expect to bring additional showers on Sunday.

Moreover, weather models are indicating 80 to 120 millimetres of rain over the South Coast between Friday and Monday morning.

To put this weekend's rainfall into perspective, the amount of rainfall that is anticipated over a three to four day period is more than double the amount of rain that was accumulated throughout all of June, July, and August back in 2012.

If it rains at least 80 millimetres a day for the next three days, that's 240 millimetres. Back in 2012, Vancouver experienced a total of 107.5 millimetres of rain throughout all of June, July, and August.

In light of recent drought conditions throughout the province, localized flooding in low-lying areas is possible, as the soil has a reduced capacity to absorb water.

Residents and motorists on the road are cautioned to watch out for potential washouts near rivers, creeks, and culverts.

The Ministry of Transportation is also encouraging motorists to plan their route ahead of time and to drive according to conditions.

“It’s important that motorists reduce speeds when roads are wet, use caution, and drive according to conditions, which can change quickly,” said the Ministry.

For up-to-date information on highway conditions, visit the DriveBC website.