B.C. coast drenched by rain in three-day atmospheric river

VANCOUVER — A number of communities in British Columbia’s south coast have received more than 100 millimetres of rain in the atmospheric river event over the last three days, with one station reporting nearly 300 millimetres.

Environment Canada says the Kennedy Lake Forestry Station on Vancouver Island received a whopping 286 millimetres from Saturday to Monday.

On the mainland, Port Mellon reported 204 millimetres.

The weather agency says at least 20 weather stations in the region reported rain of more than 100 millimetres, including 168 millimetres in Ucluelet.

Other parts of Metro Vancouver and the Lower Mainland were also drenched, with Squamish reporting 132 millimetres.

The heavy rain triggered several evacuation orders and alerts in areas including Chemainus Bridge and the Nanaimo Regional District on Vancouver Island, with one evacuation order for a single property near Parksville.

Much of B.C.’s south coast and Vancouver Island remain under a flood watch, with a flood warning sill in effect for the Englishman River near Parksville.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 13, 2026.

The Canadian Press