Heavy rain raises flooding concerns on North Shore as Seymour River runs high

Rivers are still running high as more rainfall soaks B.C.’s South Coast on Tuesday.

Rain began falling again across parts of southwestern B.C. Tuesday morning — with forecasters warning it could turn heavy later in the day, raising renewed concerns about flooding and high streamflow on the North Shore.

Environment and Climate Change Canada has issued a rainfall warning for parts of Metro Vancouver, including West Vancouver and North Vancouver, calling for 50 to 70 millimetres from Tuesday morning into the evening.

The agency says periods of rain are expected to become heavy at times in the late afternoon with the arrival of a Pacific frontal system, before tapering to showers overnight.

Seymour River running high

Along the Seymour River, District of North Vancouver officials say the water is already near the top of its banks.

Peter Cohen, the District of North Vancouver’s general manager of engineering infrastructure services, said crews are watching conditions closely.

“Our crews are all out in the field so that we can quickly respond if things do arise, whether it be today or tomorrow,” he said.

Rainfall warning: Pooling water, traffic impacts and landslide risk

Environment Canada’s rainfall warning for the North Shore notes water will likely pool on roads and in low-lying areas, and says there may be a significant impact on rush hour traffic.

The agency also warns local power outages are possible, and that landslides may occur in vulnerable areas such as steep slopes, deforested areas or recent burn scars.

Flood warning in place for North Shore Mountains

The B.C. River Forecast Centre says it is maintaining a flood warning for the North Shore Mountains, as a series of atmospheric rivers continues to impact the province.

In its bulletin issued Monday morning, the River Forecast Centre said active weather over the next seven to 10 days is expected to create a prolonged period of heightened flood hazard along the B.C. coast, with heavy rain and high streamflow increasing the risk of unstable banks, river erosion, submerged roads, swift water hazards, flooding and landslides.

The bulletin also notes that the Seymour River below Orchid Creek reached 207 m³/s — described as between 50-year and 100-year flow.

Wind expected overnight

Environment Canada has also issued a special weather statement about strong southwesterly wind gusts expected near midnight into early Wednesday morning across Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley.

The agency says those winds could lead to possible tree damage, local power outages and travel delays, before easing early Wednesday as the front tracks inland.

Strong winds also caused thousands of power outages across the province on Monday.

Safety reminders from officials

The River Forecast Centre is urging people to stay clear of the banks of swift-running rivers and never drive across flooded roads, bridges or river crossings.

It also notes that at this time of year, leaves can clog storm drains and impact urban drainage, and encourages residents to keep storm drains clear.

Environment Canada says people should continue monitoring alerts and forecasts as conditions evolve.