Environment Canada issues warning for Vancouver Island as heavy rain expected

Heavy rain is forecast to return to British Columbia's coast this week, with parts of Vancouver Island expecting up to 100 millimetres of precipitation.

Environment and Climate Change Canada has issued a rainfall warning for much of the west coast of Vancouver Island, covering communities including Sooke and Tofino.

The weather agency says heavy rain is expected to begin later today and continue into Saturday morning.

It says the heavy rain could cause flash floods, while low-lying areas may also experience localized flooding.

The weather office says the heavy rain is due to a Pacific storm system off Haida Gwaii in B.C.'s north coast.

The provincial River Forecast Centre has issued a high streamflow advisory for an area of the coast stretching from Stewart and Prince Rupert near the Alaskan Panhandle south to the central coast of B.C.