Flood warning for B.C. South Coast

B.C.'s environment ministry issued a flood watch for B.C.'s South Coast on Saturday.

Officials are watching a warm and wet storm system that's expected tobring heavy rain and snow melt throughTuesday, affectingMetro Vancouver, West and Central Vancouver Island, and Howe Sound.

"Melting snow plus the heavy rain means that coastal river systems are going to rise rapidly and are going to get a real workout," said Environment Minister Barry Penner.

"So everyone is going to have to pay attention. If you're out near riverbanks and streams, best to avoid that if you can. And local community responders are going to have to watch carefully in case the water gets near the top of the banks."

Penner said the heaviest rainfall is expected across the Metro Vancouver's North Shore area.

He said rivers will begin to rise Sunday with a high likelihood for flooding on some rivers Monday and Tuesday, depending on local rainfall.