A coastal flooding alert has been issued for British Columbia’s South Coast, which includes Metro Vancouver and certain areas of southern Vancouver Island over the upcoming weekend. Environment Canada released the alert on Thursday, warning that abnormally high tides, coupled with low pressure, could lead to minor to moderate coastal flooding. According to the City of Vancouver, coastal water levels in Vancouver are expected to reach their highest point in the past four years.
The South Coast is currently experiencing an increase in astronomical tides as the Earth reaches its closest proximity to the Sun (perihelion) concurrently with the passage of a low-pressure system. This atmospheric pressure drop is anticipated to raise coastal water levels beyond the predicted tides, elevating the risk of coastal flooding.
The agency has highlighted Sunday as the day with the highest risk of flooding, although the exact timing of the low-pressure system’s arrival remains uncertain. There is a potential for locally significant flooding, making roads and walkways challenging to navigate due to water accumulation and debris, as stated by Environment Canada.
The City of Vancouver has cautioned that areas along the Fraser River, the Burrard Inlet including English Bay, and certain adjacent low-lying regions may be affected. Water levels are projected to peak around 7:30 a.m. PT on Sunday, with neighborhoods like Southlands, the South Vancouver Industrial Area, and Locarno Beach facing an elevated flood risk.
Despite the alert, Vancouver’s Seawall remains accessible. City crews are conducting inspections on tide gates and utilizing drones to assess the condition of the Southlands shoreline dike for preventive measures.
To accommodate heavy rainfall and colder temperatures, additional shelter spaces will be made available in the city. Residents and businesses in low-lying areas are advised to monitor the situation closely and steer clear of affected shorelines. Furthermore, residents are reminded to avoid floodwaters by refraining from walking, biking, driving, or swimming in them.
Regarding avalanche risks, Avalanche Canada has cautioned about potentially hazardous conditions in alpine areas of Vancouver’s North Shore mountains, the Gibsons area, and certain regions east of Prince George. The risk is considerable in various other locations, prompting the agency to advise against travel to avalanche-prone terrains to ensure safety.