Rainfall warning issued for parts of Metro Vancouver

A man reaches to pull up the hood on a poncho as he and a child ride a tandem bike along the Stanley Park seawall during a rain storm in Vancouver, B.C., on Saturday August 29, 2015. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck

Parts of Metro Vancouver are being told to brace for a “prolonged duration of periodically heavy rain” this week.

Environment and Climate Change Canada issued a rainfall warning for the North Shore, the Tri-Cities and Howe Sound Wednesday morning, saying precipitation amounts are likely to range between 40 to 70 millimetres by Thursday morning.

“Back-to-back low-pressure systems are taking aim at the B.C. South Coast. The first system will be tracking through the region today and tonight with the next system arriving Thursday mid day,” the weather agency wrote in the alert.

Forecasters say an additional 30 to 40 millimetres of rain are possible by Friday morning. ECCC says the heaviest rain is expected Wednesday night and Thursday evening.

“Water will likely pool on roads and in low-lying areas. Visibility will likely be suddenly reduced at times,” the warning reads. “Allow extra time for travel.”

Meanwhile a costal flooding statement is in effect for coastal areas of Vancouver Island due to a “strong frontal system” moving across the region Wednesday followed by another on Thursday.

“Elevated ocean water levels accompanied by significant winds and waves are expected, possibly exceeding highest astronomical tide,” ECCC wrote.

The agency told residents to expect minor coastal flooding along exposed shorelines, difficult-to-navigate roads and walkways, and coastal erosion in sensitive areas.