The BC River Forecast Centre has upgraded a Flood Watch for the South Coast, including Howe Sound and the Sea-to-Sky corridor as a series of atmospheric rivers continues to impact the province.
The Sea-to-Sky and Pemberton regions received between 50 and 80 mm of rainfall during the first storm, which began Sunday. The River Forecast Centre warned that active weather over the next seven to 10 days will create a prolonged period of heightened flood hazard across the B.C. coast.
The atmospheric river series is forecast to continue through the upcoming week, with additional runoff from snowmelt in higher-elevation watersheds.
The River Forecast Centre has also issued Flood Warnings for the North Shore Mountains and Chilliwack River and tributaries. Upgraded or maintained Flood Watches are in effect for tributaries of the Lower Fraser including the Lillooet River and tributaries around Pemberton, Vancouver Island, including the Englishman River, and the Fraser Valley and Fraser Canyon.
Rivers across the coast are experiencing significant flows.
The Clowhom River near Clowhom Lake reached 306 cubic metres per second at 7:50 a.m. Monday and was rising, a flow rate that occurs between once every five to 10 years. The Seymour River below Orchid Creek on the North Shore reached 207 cubic metres per second, a flow rate that occurs between once every 50 to 100 years.
Authorities are warning the public about increased risks of unstable banks, river erosion, submerged roads, swift water hazards and landslides. Residents are advised to stay clear of swift-running rivers, never drive across flooded roads or bridges, and keep storm drains clear of leaves that can impact urban drainage.
