Next atmospheric river to hit B.C.’s coastal regions Saturday

Environment Canada has issued 12 special weather alerts for an incoming weather system for B.C.’s South Coast and Central Coast regions.

The government agency said it expects another atmospheric river to hit the region on Saturday, persisting into Sunday.

“An atmospheric river will bring continuous rain and mild temperatures to the central, south coast and Vancouver Island from Saturday morning to Sunday morning,” Environment Canada staff said.

“Significant amounts of rainfall will fall during this period and rainfall warnings could potentially be issued as the event nears.”

Global BC senior meteorologist Kristi Gordon said the arrival of the system Saturday will represent the second big storm of the season.

“There is some uncertainty around how long this Atmospheric River will impact the region. Initially, forecast models were estimating the impact would be from Saturday night to Sunday night,” she said.

Gordon said some forecast models show a secondary wave of heavy rain Sunday night and through much of Monday, meaning uncertainty for trick-or-treaters.

“At this time, it looks like the heaviest rain will end before trick or treating hours for Metro Vancouver and Vancouver Island.  However, the storm may impact the Fraser Valley and parts of the Interior. Halloween is still three days away so stay tuned as the timing of this storm could change,” she said.

Strong southerly winds are also expected, which can lead to more power outages as BC Hydro has previously warned of drought-stricken trees being toppled by high winds.

More than 100,000 BC Hydro customers lost power on Thursday due to high winds and downed power lines.

The alerts have been issued for the Vancouver Island, Central Coast, Fraser Valley, Metro Vancouver, Sunshine Coast, Southern Gulf Islands, Howe Sound and Whistler regions.

The special weather statements advise as much as 80 millimetres of rain could fall over the Central Coast by Saturday night, on top of the roughly 40 millimetres received Thursday, while about 35 millimetres are forecast in the Squamish region, in addition to the 80 millimetres recorded there on Thursday.

The incoming storm is also expected to deluge parts of Metro Vancouver, including Coquitlam and Maple Ridge, with more than 100 millimetres of rain before it eases late Sunday. The weather office said rainfall warnings are likely to be issued as the forecasts are refined.

2:11 B.C. evening weather forecast: Oct 27,

— with files from Canadian Press