Atmospheric Rivers Trigger Flood and Avalanche Emergencies Across Coastal B.C

Atmospheric rivers have drenched coastal British Columbia, delivering over 100 millimetres of rain in 24 hours to Tofino and Bella Bella. Environment Canada upgraded rainfall warnings to orange for the central coast and west coast of Vancouver Island-up to 200 millimetres expected.

The Central Coast Regional District issued an evacuation alert and order for Martin Valley due to flooding and landslide risk from Mt. Caro Marion. A state of local emergency was declared Tuesday night under the Emergency and Disaster Management Act.

Avalanche Canada warns of high avalanche danger across inland Vancouver Island, the Lower Mainland, Sunshine Coast, and northwestern B.C. Rain-saturated snowpack increases instability. Strong winds-gusts up to 90 km/h-compound risks.

High streamflow advisories remain for northern and western Vancouver Island, the North and South Coasts, and the Fraser River. The Central Coast-including Bella Coola and Rivers Inlet-remains under flood watch. Warming temperatures threaten snowmelt-driven flooding in the Interior later this week.