Key Takeaways
- Environment Canada has issued a special weather statement warning of possible coastal flooding in southern British Columbia, including Metro Vancouver and Greater Victoria.
- The possible high water levels along the coast are due to a combination of high astronomical tides and an incoming low-pressure system.
- The highest risk of coastal flooding is forecasted for Sunday, with significant flooding possible if onshore winds compound with high tides.
- The affected areas include the coast of Vancouver and Victoria, the Sunshine Coast, Powell River, the east coast of Vancouver Island, and the west coast of the island.
- Residents are advised to monitor the situation through updated alerts and forecasts in the coming days.
Introduction to Coastal Flooding
Environment Canada has issued a special weather statement warning of possible coastal flooding in southern British Columbia, including both Metro Vancouver and Greater Victoria. The weather agency attributes the possible high water levels along the coast to a combination of the region entering a period of high astronomical tides, as the Earth reaches its closest point to the Sun, as well as an incoming low-pressure system. This combination of factors may generate storm surge beyond normal tide levels, creating the risk of debris and erosion, as well as minor flooding in low-lying coastal areas.
Weather Forecast and Affected Areas
The forecast indicates that it is uncertain when exactly the centre of the low-pressure system will arrive in B.C.’s south coast region, but the highest risk of coastal flooding is forecasted for Sunday. The affected areas include the coast of both the Vancouver and Victoria areas, as well as the regions stretching up the Sunshine Coast to Powell River, the east coast of Vancouver Island from Campbell River down to the Gulf Islands, and along the west coast of the island from Sooke up to Tofino and beyond. Residents in these areas are advised to be aware of the potential risks and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety.
Potential Risks and Preparations
The combination of weather and Earth’s position close to the Sun could generate storm surge beyond normal tide levels, creating the risk of debris and erosion, as well as minor flooding in low-lying coastal areas. Significant flooding along the coast is also possible if onshore winds come at a time that compounds with high tides, and roads may become difficult to navigate with the floods and related debris. The City of Vancouver has issued a statement saying that shorelines along the Fraser River, the Burrard Inlet, including English Bay, and some adjacent low-lying areas may be impacted by coastal flooding. City crews will conduct regular inspections of tide gates, and a drone will be used to assess the condition of the Southlands shoreline dike.
City Preparations and Resident Advice
The City of Vancouver says the highest risk for coastal flooding is likely to occur on Sunday, as water levels are forecast to be the highest coastal water levels that Vancouver has experienced in the last four years. Residents are asked to monitor the situation through updated alerts and forecasts in the coming days. The city is taking proactive measures to prepare for the potential flooding, including conducting regular inspections of tide gates and using a drone to assess the condition of the Southlands shoreline dike. Residents are advised to stay informed and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety, such as staying away from flooded areas and following evacuation instructions if necessary.
Conclusion and Final Thoughts
In conclusion, the special weather statement issued by Environment Canada warns of possible coastal flooding in southern British Columbia, including Metro Vancouver and Greater Victoria. The combination of high astronomical tides and an incoming low-pressure system may generate storm surge beyond normal tide levels, creating the risk of debris and erosion, as well as minor flooding in low-lying coastal areas. Residents are advised to monitor the situation through updated alerts and forecasts in the coming days and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety. By staying informed and taking proactive measures, residents can minimize the risks associated with coastal flooding and stay safe during this period of high astronomical tides.