Rainfall warning issued for Vancouver Island as atmospheric river approaches

VANCOUVER — Environment Canada has issued a rainfall warning for west Vancouver Island as an atmospheric river approaches.

It says the weather system will bring up to 120 millimetres of rain that is expected to begin Friday evening and last until Saturday night.

The agency says the atmospheric river will also bring about 80 millimetres to the east side of Vancouver Island in Qualicum Beach, Bowser and Fanny Bay, but it will taper off Sunday afternoon as the system pushes southeast and weakens.

It is warning drivers that heavy downpours in those regions may cause flash floods, water pooling on roads and reduced visibility.

The River Forecast Centre also issued a high streamflow advisory on Thursday for Vancouver Island and B.C.’s south coast.

It says river water levels are expected to rise Friday night beginning on north Vancouver Island and moving south as the storm moves through the region, but the centre says significant flooding is not anticipated.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 7, 2025.

The Canadian Press