Vancouver prepares for flooding as rainfall warning is issued

As winter locks in across the province, Metro Vancouver is preparing for potential flooding this week as temperatures rise.

A week after frigid temperatures were recorded across BC and a winter storm grounded flights at the Vancouver airport, Environment Canada has issued a special weather statement for the coastal city.

The weather agency says there is a “high confidence” of coastal flooding in low lying areas throughout the south coast.

“These water levels can cause damage to coastal infrastructure in low lying areas, especially at locations prone to impacts during similar events in the past,” says the weather statement.

“Swells and enhanced wave action carrying debris may cause damage to coastal infrastructure.”

Environment Canada says the statement is in place for the City of Vancouver, Burnaby, West and North Vancouver, Surrey, Richmond, Delta, Howe Sound, Sunshine Coast, East Vancouver Island, Southern Gulf Islands.

A rainfall warning has also been issued for Metro Vancouver Tuesday morning.

A storm passed through the area on Monday and another will hit the region today, which is expected to bring 60 to 120 mm of rain by Wednesday morning.

The two storms are expected to bring localized flooding, flash floods, water pooling on roads, high river levels and potential debris flows.

The BC River Forecast Centre issued a flood watch for most of Metro Vancouver on Monday, which means rivers will approach or exceed bankfulls. The warning remains in effect on Tuesday morning.

People across the Lower Mainland are being urged to drive with caution and avoid any fast flowing rivers and creeks.