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Environment Canada issues rainfall warning for Vancouver

Warns heavy downpours may cause flash floods and water pooling on roads
rainfall warning
Environment Canada issued a rainfall warning for Metro Vancouver Friday morning with up to 120 millimetres of rain expected by Saturday afternoon. File photo Dan Toulgoet

A rainfall warning is in effect for Metro Vancouver as an intense low pressure system with subtropical moisture brings heavy rain into the Lower Mainland.

Beginning on Thursday night, the warm front associated with this low pressure system moved through the region last night, bringing rain, at times heavy. 

Now, Environment Canada notes that an "intense low pressure system with subtropical moisture will bring heavy rain to the Fraser Valley, Howe Sound, Whistler, Gibsons and Metro Vancouver today through to Saturday."

The forecast notes, however, that Metro Vancouver well see a break this afternoon as the warm front lifts north toward Squamish. Following this, the cold front associated with this system will return in the evening with another round of heavy rain that will last through to Saturday afternoon.

Rainfall warning in effect for:

  • Metro Vancouver - central including Vancouver, Burnaby and New Westminster
  • Metro Vancouver - North Shore including West Vancouver and North Vancouver
  • Metro Vancouver - northeast including Coquitlam and Maple Ridge
  • Metro Vancouver - southeast including Surrey and Langley
  • Metro Vancouver - southwest including Richmond and Delta


Total rainfall amounts are expected to be near 60 to 120 millimetres for the Fraser Valley, 130 millimetres for Howe Sound, 60 millimetres for Whistler, 90 millimetres for Gibsons and 100 to 120 millimetres for parts of Metro Vancouver.

Environment Canada warns that heavy downpours can cause flash floods and water pooling on roads. Localized flooding in low-lying areas is possible. Watch for possible washouts near rivers, creeks and culverts.

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