The River Forecast Centre has issued a Flood Watch for Howe Sound, North Shore Mountains, Metro Vancouver, as well as Fraser Valley.
A Flood Watch means that river levels are rising and will approach or may exceed bank full. Flooding of areas close to rivers may occur, cautions the River Forecast Centre.
A significant rainfall pattern is moving across the south coast of BC and river levels have started to rise in most areas of the Howe Sound. With snow melt and heavy rain, streamflow in the 2-year to 5-year range is anticipated in rivers throughout the region, though higher flows are also possible.
Low lying flooding is expected and may extend to overbank flooding of floodplains in areas. Snowmelt can also cause pooling and flooding in areas with poor drainage or where drainage structures are impacted by snow and ice.
Additional rainfall on Sunday through Tuesday may lead to on-going high flows and persistent flood hazards into next week, the agency warns.
