Rainfall warning for Metro Vancouver, up to 80 mm Friday

Environment Canada has issued rainfall warnings for Metro Vancouver’s North Shore, northeast sections including Coquitlam and Maple Ridge, and Howe Sound, with up to 80 millimetres of rain expected on Friday.

The weather office said a potent low-pressure system will bring heavy rain beginning after midnight tonight and continuing through the day Friday. Totals may reach 80 mm at higher elevations on the North Shore and near southern Howe Sound. Lower elevations and communities such as Coquitlam can expect closer to 50 mm by the time the rain tapers off Friday evening.

Farther north and west, a separate warning covers North, West and Inland Vancouver Island, where 100 to 130 mm is forecast and up to 175 mm could fall locally or over higher terrain. Environment Canada said the heaviest rain is expected from midnight through Friday morning, with rates possibly reaching 10 mm an hour or more for several hours. The highest totals are forecast northwest of Tofino, including Port Alice, Zeballos, Tahsis and Gold River. Localized flooding is possible and some roads may become impassable.

A rainfall warning is also in effect for the inland Central Coast, where up to 60 mm is expected in Bella Coola by Friday afternoon as moisture is channelled up the valley.

Environment Canada said this is the first in a series of potent storms expected to bring heavy rain and strong winds to the B.C. coast through next week. Water will likely pool on roads and in low-lying areas, visibility may drop suddenly and some property damage is possible.

The weather office urges residents to clear storm drains of fallen leaves in their neighbourhoods and to watch for washouts near rivers, creeks and culverts. Reports of severe weather can be sent to [email protected] or posted with #BCStorm. Current warnings are posted on the Environment Canada website.

Earlier this week, we reported on heavy rain and snow on the B.C. north coast, and last week on a rainfall warning for east Vancouver Island.

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