A rainfall warning is in effect for the Fraser Valley with between 60 and 80 mm of rain forecast for the region starting tonight.
According to Environment Canada, periods of heavy rain are expected from Tuesday evening (Dec. 9) through Wednesday evening (Dec. 10).
The warning includes the Fraser Valley, including Mission, Abbotsford, Chilliwack, Agassiz and Hope. Manning – Skagit Valley and Highway 3 near Sunshine Valley were also included in Environment Canada’s warning.
“An atmospheric river will arrive on the south coast of B.C. bringing heavy rain tonight through Wednesday. Warm air with the system will cause freezing levels to rise and snowmelt combined with the rain may result in high streamflows and localized flooding,” Environment Canada said.
Per the warning, water is likely to pool in low-lying areas. Environment Canada advises drivers not to drive through flooded roads.
A high streamflow advisory from the B.C. River Forecast Centre is also in effect for Lower Fraser tributaries, including the Chilliwack River and others around the Fraser Valley.
The forecast centre said rivers are expected to remain high through the week.
“Current modelling is indicating the potential for flows that may reach or exceed the 2-year return period in some areas. Some scenarios are showing even higher flows for some rivers, particularly for basins inthe Lower Fraser Valley, including the Chilliwack River and surrounding areas, if the atmospheric river shifts northward. Localized minor flood issues are possible at these locations, particularly in smaller creek systems,” the advisory reads.
The central coast, south coast and Vancouver Island were also included in the streamflow advisory.