Environment Canada has issued two weather warnings for Metro Vancouver today as rain, lightning and wind gusts of up to 90 kilometres an hour are expected to lash the region.
In a rainfall warning, the federal weather agency says says residents can expect heavy rain and a risk of a thunderstorm today. The agency now estimates between 10 and 20 millimetres of rainfall Thursday, with up to 30 millimetres on the North Shore.
The agency warned that the heavy downpour could cause flash floods and water pooling on roads and cautioned people to watch for possible washouts near rivers, creeks and culverts.
Also posted early Thursday was a wind warning, with Environment Canada predicting “strong winds that may cause damage are expected or occurring.”
A deep Pacific low pressure system will move rapidly across southern Vancouver Island near noon, the warning said, with southwesterly winds gusting to 90 kilometres an hour.
The rain and wind are expected to ease by the evening.
On Wednesday, forecasters said up to 70 millimetres of rain was expected on the North Shore, with localized flooding in low-lying areas a possibility. The region is still cleaning up from a damaging storm earlier in the week, when more than a dozen homes were evacuated in the Lynn Valley neighbourhood because of flooding.
Up to 86 millimetres of rain battered the North Shore Monday as a strong frontal system moved through B.C.’s south coast. The storm followed a month of heavier than normal rainfall in Metro Vancouver.
Water rushed into Argyle Secondary School late in the evening Monday, forcing officials to close the high school on Tuesday. The District of North Vancouver said 17 homes were evacuated in Lynn Valley.
While North Vancouver district crews expect this storm to be less intense than Monday’s, precautions are being taken including checking all culverts and trash traps/grates.
As well, district staff and equipment were stationed in preparation.
“District residents really are the eyes and ears of our community,” said North Vancouver District Mayor Richard Walton. “By reporting any problems observed, our crews can be quickly dispatched to affected areas.”
Residents can also stay up-to-date by checking the district’s website, Facebook page or Twitter feed @nvandistrict.
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