A coastal flooding alert has been issued for British Columbia’s South Coast, including Metro Vancouver and parts of southern Vancouver Island this weekend. Environment Canada issued the alert on Thursday, warning of potential minor to moderate coastal flooding due to abnormal high tides and low pressure conditions.
According to the City of Vancouver, the forecast predicts the highest coastal water levels in Vancouver in the past four years. The South Coast is expected to experience high astronomical tides as the Earth reaches its closest point to the Sun (perihelion) coinciding with a passing low-pressure system.
The falling atmospheric pressure is anticipated to elevate coastal water levels beyond normal tides, increasing the risk of flooding. Sunday is identified as the day with the highest risk of flooding, although the exact timing of the low-pressure system remains uncertain.
The potential for “locally significant flooding” exists, leading to possible difficulties in navigating flooded roads and walkways due to debris. Areas along the Fraser River, Burrard Inlet including English Bay, and adjacent low-lying regions could be impacted.
Residents are advised to stay vigilant for heavy rainfall and pooling water in low-lying areas. The city also recommends avoiding impacted shorelines and emphasizes the importance of refraining from walking, biking, driving, or swimming through floodwaters.
In addition to the coastal flooding alert, Avalanche Canada has issued warnings for potentially hazardous conditions in alpine areas on Vancouver’s North Shore mountains, the Gibsons area, and regions east of Prince George. The avalanche risk is considerable in several areas, with the danger level ranked as “high,” indicating a significant likelihood of natural and human-triggered avalanches.
It is strongly advised to avoid travel to avalanche-prone terrain during this period of heightened risk.