Special Weather Statement for Strong Winds and Heavy Rainfall

Issued at 12:13 2024-10-17 by Environment and Climate Change Canada

Areas issued for:

  • Metro Vancouver
  • Fraser Valley

Details:

  • A strong fall storm system will direct an atmospheric river towards the South Coast, bringing heavy rain to the region.
  • Rain is expected to begin early in the day on Friday and continue into Sunday morning. The rain will ease by Sunday afternoon.
  • Rainfall totals are forecast to reach 40 to 70 mm in general, with the lower amounts expected south of the Fraser River and potentially exceeding 100 mm over the coastal mountains.
  • Strong southeast wind gusts up to 80 km/h will also impact areas of Metro Vancouver nearest the water on Friday afternoon into Friday overnight. Winds are expected to ease during the day Saturday.

Timeframe:

  • Friday afternoon through Sunday morning

Flood Watch Issued

Issued at 12:30 2024-10-17 by River Forecast Centre

Areas issued for:

  • Lower Fraser Tributaries including the Lillooet River and rivers around Pemberton, Metro-Vancouver, Lower Mainland and Fraser Valley

Details:

  • While the Central and North Coast have experienced several storm cycles this season, this will be the first significant event of the season for south-west BC.
  • Rivers are anticipated to rise rapidly in response to rainfall on Friday, through Saturday and into Sunday.
  • Current hydrologic modelling is indicating the potential for flooding (e.g. flows reaching or exceeding 5-year to 20-year flows), particularly on the Central Coast (Kingcome River), Vancouver Island, South Coast and Fraser Valley.
  • Current hydrologic modelling from the US National Weather Service is not indicating a high likelihood of flood flows in the Nooksack River, however this outlook could change through the weekend, particularly if the forecasted storm track shifts further south or stalls.

Timeframe:

  • Friday afternoon through Sunday morning

Potential Impacts for Consideration & Actions to Take

There is an increased risk of disruption to services and transportation in the region

    • Heavy rainfall on unstable slopes and steep terrain can heighten the risk of landslides and rockfall
    • Challenging driving conditions due to heavy rain and wind gusts
      • Staff may have trouble accessing work sites
      • There may be delays to transport of patients and supplies
    • Power outages are possible from moderate to strong gusty winds
      • Loose objects may be tossed by the wind and cause injury or damage
      • High winds may result in power outages and fallen tree branches
      • Health care facilities may be directly impacted
    • Sudden rise in stream levels and localized flooding
      • Can increase likelihood of Code Grey internal flooding

There may be an increased demand on health care services

    • There is a potential for higher number of visits in Emergency Departments
    • There is a possibility for delays from BCEHS and 911 dispatchers

Prioritization of client/patient/resident wellness checks should consider priority populations

Potential actions to take

  • Sign up for weather alerts through Alertable, WeatherCAN, and AlertMe
  • Make sure on-call leadership is aware and knows how to report any impacts
  • Be aware of plans that support the impacts of hazards, including flooding and power failures
  • Give yourself more time to travel for work
  • Consider postponing non-essential travel until conditions improve

Key Resources