Third storm heads for already drenched B.C. coast

The third storm in a series is expected to make landfall along the already saturated coast of British Columbia following severe weather that caused widespread power outages, prompted evacuations, and resulted in one fatality over the weekend. Environment Canada has issued wind warnings and special statements indicating heavy rainfall is anticipated across vast sections of the province in the coming days.

In Haida Gwaii and North Vancouver Island, strong winds are predicted to persist into Monday with gusts up to 110 kilometres per hour and a subsequent low-pressure system is expected to bring additional gusty winds. A special weather statement for most of B.C.’s coastline and Vancouver Island warns of an "intense and significant" series of storms approaching the coast from Tuesday through Thursday, bringing heavy rain, particularly in elevated regions.

The rain event follows several low-pressure systems that have already saturated the area in recent days, leaving thousands without electricity and prompting an evacuation order for approximately 30 properties in the village of Zeballos on Vancouver Island's northwest coast. In Surrey, British Columbia, a driver lost his life Saturday after two vehicles were engulfed under a fallen tree.

Environment Canada acknowledges there is still ambiguity regarding the precise volume of rain expected and which regions will be impacted most acutely, but some areas may experience turbulent southern winds. The agency warns that heavy precipitation could result in water accumulation in poorly drained areas, exacerbating localized flooding concerns, especially in communities that have already endured significant rainfall.