Storm expected to hit later today and last into tomorrow could be the most intense yet for the central coast: Mike Farnworth

Officials are warning against non-essential travel as the forecast calls for heavy rainfall across large sections of southern and coastal British Columbia, including areas devastated by flooding and mudslides earlier this month.

Public Safety Minister Mike Farnworth says the storm expected to hit later today and last into tomorrow could be the most intense yet for the central coast.

Environment Canada meteorologist Armel Castellan says BC's central coast and the west coast of Vancouver Island could see up to 150 millimetres of rain.

Castellan says the flood-soaked Fraser Valley east of Abbotsford could get up to 80 millimetres.

Farnworth told a news conference that the province has made preparations in the Bella Coola Valley on the central coast and crews were working around the clock to shore up dikes to protect essential infrastructure, farmland and homes in southwestern BC.

BC's River Forecast Centre has issued flood watches for the central and south coasts, Vancouver Island and areas around the Lower Fraser, Skagit, Similkameen, Tulameen, Coldwater and Nicola rivers in the Fraser Valley and southern Interior.

A higher-level flood warning is also in place for the Coquihalla River east of Hope.