Series of fall storms to bring heavy rain, strong winds to parts of B.C.

Environment Canada and the B.C. government are warning about a series of fall storms that may will bring heavy rain and strong winds to parts of B.C.

Environment Canada issued a series of rain and wind warnings on Thursday, saying a strong frontal system will move across the South Coast region today and Friday.

Winds will increase to southeast 70 gusting to 90 km/h in exposed areas near the Strait of Georgia Thursday afternoon and persist through the evening. Winds will ease overnight as the front moves inland. Heavy rain is also expected with 40 to 70 mm possible for the East Coast of Vancouver Island and Howe Sound possible by Friday morning.

The outer coast of Vancouver Island could receive up to 140 mm of rain by Friday morning.

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Meanwhile, Environment Canada issues a special weather statement for Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley on Thursday, saying this frontal system will move across the Lower Mainland Thursday night and Friday.

Winds will also increase southeast, gusting between 60 and 80 km/h near the water and will persist through Friday morning. 20-40 mm of rain is expected for much of Metro Vancouver but the localized areas along the North Shore and Fraser Valley could receive up to 80 mm of rain.

Meteorologist Kristi Gordon ensures “this front system is a weak Atmospheric River which means the impact will be primarily beneficial”. However, we could see some localized flooding in low lying areas, pooling water on roads and rivers and stream could rise rapidly.

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People are encouraged to keep storm drains clear and are advised that power outages could occur due to downed power lines and falling trees.

B.C.’s Ministry of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness works with other ministries to monitor conditions on the highways and roads, respond to flooding and issue public alerts for areas of concern.

Residents are also urged to develop a personal safety plan and a household emergency plan, including an emergency kit and a grab-and-go bag.