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Heavy downpours: Environment Canada issues rainfall warning for Vancouver

Heavy downpours can cause flash floods and water pooling on roads.
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Photo: Rainboots / Shutterstock

A rainfall warning is in effect for Metro Vancouver as an intense low pressure system with subtropical moisture brings heavy rain into the Lower Mainland.

Beginning on Thursday (Jan. 30) night, the warm front associated with this low pressure system moved through the region last night, bringing rain, at times heavy. 

Now, Environment Canada notes that an, "intense low pressure system with subtropical moisture will bring heavy rain to the Fraser Valley, Howe Sound, Whistler, Gibsons and Metro Vancouver today through to Saturday."

The forecast notes, however, that Metro Vancouver well see a break this afternoon as the warm front lifts north towards Squamish. Following this, the cold front associated with this system will return in the evening with another round of heavy rain that will last through to Saturday midday.

Rainfall warning in effect for:

  • Metro Vancouver - central including the City of Vancouver Burnaby and New Westminster
  • Metro Vancouver - North Shore including West Vancouver and North Vancouver
  • Metro Vancouver - northeast including Coquitlam and Maple Ridge
  • Metro Vancouver - southeast including Surrey and Langley
  • Metro Vancouver - southwest including Richmond and Delta


Total rainfall amounts for these events will be near 60 to 120 mm for the Fraser Valley, 130 mm for Howe Sound, 60 mm for Whistler, 90 mm for Gibsons and 100 to 120 mm for parts of Metro Vancouver.

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.