High streamflow advisories issued for nearly all of B.C. coast as storms approach

The areas under high streamflow advisories are seen in this image shared by Emergency Info B.C. (X.com / @EmergencyInfoBC)

The B.C. River Forecast Centre has issued high streamflow advisories for nearly all of the province’s coastline, with the exception of Victoria and the east coast of Vancouver Island.

The move comes as “a series of atmospheric rivers” bears down on the province over the weekend and into next week, according to a statement from the forecast centre.

“Prolonged periods of moderate to heavy rain are possible, along with warmer temperatures and additional runoff from rain-on-snow melt,” the statement reads.

“Along the North Coast, Haida Gwaii, Central Coast and Vancouver Island, rain is expected to begin on Friday and continue through the weekend, with the heaviest periods of rain forecasted on Saturday through Sunday.”

On the South Coast, including the Lower Mainland, the heaviest precipitation is expected Sunday through Monday, according to the centre.

A high streamflow advisory means “river levels are rising or expected to rise rapidly,” but no major flooding is expected. Low-lying areas could experience minor flooding.

The river forecast centre says “localized high flows” are expected up and down the coast, with peak river levels expected Saturday and Sunday in the north and Sunday through Monday on Vancouver Island and the South Coast.

“Extra vigilance is appropriate through the weekend and into Monday, with the expectation that this weather pattern could lead to escalating flood hazard,” the forecast centre says.