Storm brings more rain to B.C. as officials stress need to prepare, listen to authorities
CBC
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The third in a series of storms that have increased in intensity is bearing down on B.C., causing major concerns for communities dealing with the consequences of previous storms over the past two weeks.
CBC meteorologist Johanna Wagstaffe says 10 to 15 millimetres could fall within a mere three hours on parts of the South Coast on Tuesday, and freezing levels will rise rapidly in altitude — which means more snowmelt.
Environment Canada issued rainfall warnings and special weather statements for much of the province, and has predicted up to 100 millimetres of rain Tuesday into Wednesday for Metro Vancouver, Whistler, the Sunshine Coast and the Fraser Valley, including Abbotsford, Chilliwack and Hope.
"This could be the most intense storm yet," said B.C. Public Safety Minister Mike Farnworth.
Speaking at a late-morning news briefing, Farnworth said people living in flood zones must listen to local authorities and evacuate immediately if asked. British Columbians should also take alerts issued by Environment Canada and Drive BC very seriously, he said.
WATCH | Dikes reinforced, B.C. highways closed as floodwaters rise:
Up to 200 millimetres of rain is also in the forecast for northern and western parts of Vancouver Island and the Central Coast.
A winter storm warning is in effect for the North Coast, which could see up to 40 centimetres of snow on Tuesday.
A flood watch is in effect for the Fraser, Tulameen, Coldwater, Similkameen, Coquihalla and Sumas rivers.
A flood warning means river levels have exceeded or will exceed their banks, and nearby areas will flood as a result. A flood watch means river levels are rising and may spill their banks.
The mayors of two Fraser Valley communities that have been hit hard by flooding this fall say they are confident their residents can make it through these next two days of rain.
"I am pleased to share that at this point, we are holding our own," Abbotsford Mayor Henry Braun said Monday afternoon. "Unless we get a 200 millimetre dump Tuesday and Wednesday — that's a whole different ball game, then."
Although the Nooksack River in Washington overflowed Sunday, water did not cross over from the state to the eastern part of the Sumas Prairie. Braun said that was good news, since it remains the area of the city hardest hit by flooding.
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