Atmospheric river soaks B.C. south coast as rainfall tops 200 millimetres in some areas

Communities across British Columbia’s south coast and Vancouver Island have been hit with intense rainfall over the past three days as an atmospheric river moved through the region, prompting evacuation orders, alerts and ongoing flood warnings.

Environment Canada says several areas recorded more than 100 millimetres of rain between Saturday and Monday, with the Kennedy Lake Forestry Station on Vancouver Island measuring nearly 286 millimetres during the period. On the mainland, Port Mellon reported 204 millimetres, while Ucluelet recorded 168 millimetres and Squamish received 132 millimetres.

The prolonged rainfall has raised concerns about river levels and localized flooding, particularly in low-lying and coastal communities. Environment Canada reports that at least 20 weather stations across the south coast exceeded the 100-millimetre mark during the event, underscoring the widespread impact of the storm system.

Emergency measures were activated in several areas, including evacuation orders and alerts in the Chemainus Bridge area and parts of the Nanaimo Regional District. One evacuation order was also issued for a single property near Parksville as water levels rose.

Much of Vancouver Island and the south coast remain under a flood watch, while a flood warning continues for the Englishman River near Parksville. Officials are urging residents to stay informed, monitor local advisories and be prepared as weather conditions evolve.