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Up to 80 mm of 'heavy rain' threatens B.C. flood recovery

A special weather statement is in effect for Metro Vancouver, the Fraser Valley, the Sea to Sky corridor and the Sunshine Coast. The storm threatens to complicate ongoing flood recovery efforts.

Environment Canada has issued a special weather statement for the southwest part of British Columbia.

"Another round of heavy rain is on the way," the alert says. 

The statement, which calls for 40 to 80 mm, affects the Fraser Valley, Metro Vancouver, the Sea to Sky corridor and the Sunshine Coast from Gibsons to Earls Cove. 

The national weather agency says the storm is expected to arrive overnight Wednesday and last until early Friday morning.

"This storm will be shorter lived and less intense than the event over Nov. 13 to 15, 2021," the statement reads. "However, it will still bring moderate to heavy rain and strong winds."

Brett Anderson, a senior meteorologist with AccuWeather, tells Glacier Media western Vancouver Island will experience the heaviest rain. 

He says a second storm is expected this weekend, one that will bring more wind.

"The weekend is where I think we are going to be dealing with more serious flooding situations because we are just coming on the heels of another event," Anderson says. 

Total rainfall across parts of western Vancouver Island could range anywhere between 200 to 300 mm, he adds. 

"That's extreme... I expect more flooding, more landslides, more road closures... you name it."

Environment Canada notes freezing levels will rise above mountain tops on Thursday. 

"This may worsen recent flooding and impact vulnerable landscapes and infrastructure," the special weather statement says.

Meanwhile, a snowfall warning is in effect for the Coquihalla Highway, between Hope and Merritt. Environment Canada says "snow will persist today," with levels reaching between 25 and 30 cm. Things should taper off this evening.

For more information, visit Environment Canada's website.