Heavy rains expected to pound Metro Vancouver until Tuesday morning

Environment Canada says twofall storms will bringrain events to B.C. this week, with a third system on the horizon.

A special weather statement was issued Monday morning, warning of heavy downpours bringing 50-70 mm of rain, particularly overnight and into Tuesday morning for Metro Vancouver, the North Shore and Sea to Sky regions.

"This is a very active pattern ... residents should be prepared for localized flooding and pooling of water," said Environment Canada meteorologist Philippe-Alain Bergeron.

The central coast's coastal and inland sections will be hit with the same system, and the special weather statement also extends to Vancouver Island .

Wilder weather forB.C.'s interior

Special weather alerts were also issued for B.C.'s interior, with strong wind gusts expected Tuesday morning.

"There is also potential for a squall line to develop with intense thunderstorms. Strong gusty winds, frequent lightning and heavy showers, possibly mixed with flurries, can all be expected with the passage of the squall line," said Environment Canada's statement.

"Challenging driving conditions are expected over Rogers Pass with the possibility that heavy flurries and strong winds could reduce visibility to near zero."

Bigger storms coming Wednesday

The rain is expected to taper off Tuesday morning, and the skies will likely clear but a more powerful system is expected to hit mid-week.

"Our main concern for the South Coast is a stronger storm coming on Wednesday with very significant rain and winds," said Bergeron.

Strong winds fromboth storms are expected to bring down leaves, and residents are reminded to keep storm sewers clear to prevent flooding.

Don't put the umbrellas away yet

The weather patterns aren't expected to let up any time soon, however.

Bergeron said while it's too soon to predict the severity, another system is expected to hit next weekend, bringing cooler temperatures and snow accumulation in higher elevations.