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B.C. Storm Alert: Highways Face Flood Risk
11 Nov
Summary
- Heavy rainfall and winds expected to impact B.C. South Coast roads this week.
- Highways 1 and 99 on the mainland and Malahat on Vancouver Island at risk.
- Severe storms could cause significant disruption and potential road closures.
A powerful storm is currently sweeping across British Columbia's South Coast, prompting urgent warnings for drivers. Highways are expected to face flooding and potential closures with little to no advance notice through the rest of the week.
The Transportation Ministry has advised motorists to monitor conditions closely. Drivers should anticipate pooling water on roadways, fallen debris, and the possibility of unexpected road closures on key routes.
On the mainland, Highway 1 through the Fraser Valley and Fraser Canyon, along with Highway 99 in the Sea to Sky corridor, are identified as high-risk areas. For Vancouver Island, the Malahat Highway and routes on the western coast are most likely to experience impacts.
Provincial crews are increasing patrols and debris clearing efforts. Orange rainfall warnings are active for west and central Vancouver Island, Howe Sound, and the Sea-to-Sky regions, signaling potential for severe weather. Some areas on Vancouver Island could receive over 250 millimetres of rain, while the Sea to Sky region and parts of Metro Vancouver might see up to 160 millimetres. Flood watches are in effect for much of Vancouver Island and the South Coast, with the worst weather anticipated through Wednesday.
