Heavy rain, strong winds prompt weather warnings for B.C.'s South Coast

Environment Canada has issued a special weather statement for B.C.'s South Coast, forecasting heavy rain and strong winds, which areexpected to begin on Sunday and continue through Monday afternoon.

The storm is set to impact Metro Vancouver, the Fraser Valleyand the Sunshine Coast, with total rainfall amounts between 30 to 40 millimetres in that region by Monday morning.

On Sunday morning, the weather agency added a rainfall warning for Howe Sound and the North Shore of Metro Vancouver, saying 40 to 70 millimetres of rain is expected to fall there by midday Monday.

The weather agency warns the storm could bring reduced visibility, washouts near rivers, creeksand culverts, and potential power outages if high winds cause branches to fall onto power lines.

Residents are advised to clear storm drains of leaves and debris to help prevent localized flooding.

A wind warning was also issued for East Vancouver Island, from Courtenay to Campbell River, and nearby portions of the Sunshine Coast on Sunday.

"Strong southeasterly winds of 60 km/h gusting up to 90 km/h possible near the Strait of Georgia," Environment Canada says. "Winds are expected to ease early on Monday morning."

The weather warnings are the latest to be issuedfor the South Coast this fall. It comes on the heels of an intense atmospheric river event on Oct. 19, which led to at least four deaths, and awindstorm earlier this week that left thousands without power.

The B.C. River Forecast Centre has also issued a high streamflow advisory for the South Coast and parts of Vancouver Island, cautioning that rivers may see increased flows due to recent wet weather.

According to the advisory, the current storm will be followed by a second weather system expected Tuesday through Wednesday, which could bring additional heavy rainfall.

A high streamflow advisory indicates that river levels may rise rapidly, but that no major flooding is anticipated. Officials urge caution around fast-moving rivers and warn that conditions could change as the storms progress.

The centre notes that while rivers across the South Coast and Vancouver Island are currently at "near-normal" levels for this time of year, recent rainfall may make the region's rivers more vulnerable to rapid increases.

Environment Canada and the River Forecast Centre say they will continue monitoring the situation, with further updates expected if conditions worsen.