Environment Canada has issued a coastal flooding advisory for several areas around the Lower Mainland, including Vancouver’s coastline, Surrey, White Rock and Boundary Bay.
Abnormal high tides combined with low pressure may produce minor to moderate coastal flooding, as elevated water levels accompanied by strong winds and waves are expected, exceeding highest astronomical tides, the federal agency noted.
The risk of flooding is the highest this weekend, with the highest risk of coastal flooding on Sunday.
B.C.’s South Coast is entering a period of high astronomical tides as Earth reaches perihelion — Earth’s closest point to the sun, Environment Canad noted in the advisory.
A low-pressure system will also cross the region this weekend, and the falling atmospheric pressure will help further elevate coastal water levels beyond predicted tides, thus increasing the risk of coastal flooding.
Moderate winds and storm surge can lead to washed-up debris and erosion along coastal areas.
Minor to moderate coastal flooding is likely along exposed shorelines, especially in low-lying areas. There is a risk of locally significant flooding, especially where onshore winds compound on the highest tides, the agency said, adding that roads and walkways may be difficult to navigate due to flooding and/or debris, such as driftwood and rocks.