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Rainfall warning issued for Metro Vancouver, 120 mm expected in some areas

The heaviest rain will be tonight as the front nears the south coast
Van rain
Environment Canada issued a rainfall warning for Metro Vancouver as another atmospheric river makes landfall over the weekend.

Metro Vancouver is in for yet another deluge according to a recent rainfall warning.

Heavy rains are expected to fall on the City of Vancouver, Burnaby, New Westminster, the North Shore including West Vancouver and North Vancouver, Coquitlam, Maple Ridge, Surrey and Langley according to a rainfall warning from Environment Canada. Howe Sound, Sea to Sky - Squamish to Whistler, Sunshine Coast - Gibsons to Earls Cove have also received the warning. 

“Rain will begin this morning for most areas, but the heaviest rain will be tonight as the front nears. Rain will start to ease Sunday afternoon,” the federal forecaster’s warning reads. 

“Rainfall amounts for this event will vary from about 60 mm from Vancouver to 80 mm in the Fraser Valley to 100 mm closer to the mountains. Squamish may see up to 120 mm. Gibsons will also receive 60 to 80 mm of rain.”

‘Watch for possible washouts near rivers’

For the Sea to Sky highway, light snow north of Brandywine will transition to heavy rain Saturday (Nov. 27) afternoon. Total rainfall amounts near 60 mm are expected by Sunday afternoon.

“Strong warming will accompany this system causing freezing levels to rise well above the mountain tops today,” the warning continues, adding that snowmelt will contribute to runoff and increase the risk of flooding.

“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.”

Preemptive highway closures

Ahead of the incoming weather, the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure announced it will proactively close the Duffey Lake Road portion of Highway 99 between Pemberton and Lillooet, as well as Highway 3 between Hope and Princeton on Saturday afternoon. The exact time and duration of these precautionary closures will depend on the weather, the province explained in a release Friday afternoon. Highway 1 in the Fraser Canyon also remains closed.

The decision comes following the recent flooding and mudslides that have devastated parts of B.C.

With files from Brandon Barrett

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