Key Takeaways
- Rainfall warnings have been issued for Metro Vancouver’s northern sections and much of Vancouver Island
- Up to 120 millimetres of rain could fall in the City of Vancouver, Burnaby, Coquitlam, Maple Ridge, and the North Shore by Friday
- Rainfall totals on Vancouver Island’s west coast could reach 100 millimetres by Wednesday night
- Strong southeast winds gusting to 90 km/h are expected over exposed coastal sections
- A warm front drawing in moist, subtropical air is responsible for the rain hitting the region
Introduction to the Weather Warning
The Metro Vancouver area and much of Vancouver Island have been issued rainfall warnings as a series of storms are expected to hit the region. Environment and Climate Change Canada has released a yellow warning, stating that significant amounts of rain are expected to fall in the coming days. The warning covers areas such as the City of Vancouver, Burnaby, Coquitlam, Maple Ridge, and the North Shore, with up to 120 millimetres of rain expected by Friday. This is a significant amount of rainfall, and residents in the affected areas should be prepared for potential flooding and disruptions to daily life.
Rainfall Expectations
The rainfall warning is not limited to Metro Vancouver, as Vancouver Island is also expected to receive significant amounts of rain. The west coast of the island, including areas such as Tofino and Ucluelet, could see up to 100 millimetres of rain by Wednesday night. This is a substantial amount of rainfall, and residents in these areas should be prepared for potential power outages and property damage. In contrast, the inland sections of Vancouver Island, including Port Alberni, are expected to receive up to 50 millimetres of rain, with the rain easing by Thursday morning.
Wind and Weather Conditions
In addition to the heavy rainfall, strong southeast winds are expected to accompany the storm. The warning states that winds could gust up to 90 km/h over exposed coastal sections, which could lead to power outages and property damage. The warm front responsible for the rain is drawing in moist, subtropical air, which is causing the significant rainfall. This type of weather pattern is not unusual for the region, but the intensity of the storm is expected to be higher than usual.
Impact on the Region
The rain is expected to have a significant impact on the region, particularly in areas that have been experiencing a dry and warm January. Some trees have already begun to bloom, and the maximum temperatures have been hovering around 7.4 C at Vancouver International Airport. The rain will likely bring an end to the warm and dry spell, and residents should be prepared for a significant change in weather conditions. The heavy rainfall could also lead to flooding and disruptions to daily life, particularly in areas with poor drainage.
Forecast for Metro Vancouver
For Metro Vancouver, the forecast is calling for another round of heavy rain to begin on Thursday evening, with 40 to 60 millimetres expected both on Wednesday evening and Thursday evening. This is in addition to the up to 120 millimetres of rain expected by Friday, making for a total of significant rainfall in the region. Residents in Metro Vancouver should be prepared for potential flooding and disruptions to daily life, particularly in areas with poor drainage. The rain is expected to ease by Friday, but the impact of the storm could be felt for several days.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the rainfall warning issued for Metro Vancouver and much of Vancouver Island is a significant concern for residents in the affected areas. The heavy rainfall and strong winds could lead to flooding, power outages, and property damage, and residents should be prepared for potential disruptions to daily life. The warm front drawing in moist, subtropical air is responsible for the rain, and the region should expect a significant change in weather conditions. By understanding the forecast and taking necessary precautions, residents can minimize the impact of the storm and stay safe during this period of heavy rainfall.
