Environment Canada has issued a rainfall warning as an atmospheric river that’s expected to hit the North Shore particularly hard blows into town.
“Some models suggest in excess of 100 millimetres, perhaps as high as 150, so it's going to be a very significant dump of rain,” said Chris Doyle, Environment Canada meteorologist. “We have a good feed of pretty moist, relatively warm air coming in from the subtropical parts of the Pacific.… [It's] beamed right at the North Coast this morning, but it's coming down the coast, and we're in for a really wet weekend.”
At times, meteorologists are expecting rainfall at a rate of five to 10 mm per hour.
“You need to put a raincoat on the dog,” Doyle said. “Moreover, the roads are going to be a ponded mess with that kind of rainfall intensity, so driving will be very tricky this evening and overnight and in through most of Saturday as well.”
To prevent localized flooding, residents should check that their local stormwater intakes aren’t clogged with fallen leaves and other debris, Doyle suggested.
District of North Vancouver spokesperson Courtenay Rannard said municipal staff will be doing the same.
“District crews have been preparing for the fall storm season by inspecting and clearing inlets and catch basins across the municipality. Crews will be out over the weekend working to keep the stormwater systems and roads clear, and addressing any issues that arise,” she said.
The North Shore always gets more precipitation than other parts of the Lower Mainland because of its steep topography, which redirects winds and clouds, Doyle said.
“As they get pushed over the mountains, they move vertically. That vertical move causes cooling of the air mass, more condensation, and so more rainfall,” he said.
The B.C. River Forecast has issued a flood watch for the South Coast, including Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley as well as Vancouver Island.
“If you are near a river or creek, keep your pets leashed and children a safe distance away from the water’s edge, as water levels and conditions can change quickly,” Rannard added.
Because of the extreme weather, the North Shore Shelter has opened up space for 20 more people to come inside to escape the elements and sleep.
West Vancouver has opted to close all of its grass sports until Monday, at least, although artificial turf and gravel fields will remain open to use.
As of Friday morning, snow was falling on the peaks of the North Shore Mountains. But, because the air mass moving the precipitation in is so warm, don’t expect to see snowcapped mountains when the clouds clear, Doyle cautioned.
The worst of the storm should peter out by late morning on Sunday, with possible sunny breaks in the afternoon, Doyle said.
