Environment Canada warns of potentially hazardous travel conditions due to heavy rainfall across southern B.C. on Friday, Aug. 15.
A rainfall warning has been issued for Metro Vancouver with up to 50 mm of precipitation at sea level and as much as 80 mm at places with higher elevations expected to fall.
Environment Canada Meteorologist Brian Proctor tells V.I.A. the storm system isn't typical for this time of year and may pose hazards on the roads.
"It's a very, very weak atmospheric river," he explains. "A better way to describe it is an early fall season storm, specifically a moisture-laden frontal system."
Proctor says the "very October-like storm" landed on the South Coast Friday morning "with moderate precipitation amounts recorded across the Lower Mainland and Vancouver Island."
Some places, like Vancouver International Airport (YVR) have already recorded up to 20 mm of rainfall.
"For an October storm, this wouldn't be significant, but it is unusual for August," says Proctor.
"The most intense precipitation is about to come this afternoon," he explains, adding that some wind will accompany the rain.
BC Hydro's outages list shows several outages in Metro Vancouver, although most of them are planned work. However, a couple of trees are down across its wires in Surrey and Coquitlam, and a couple of incidents are under investigation.
Metro Vancouver weather forecast
The storm is expected to ease later this evening, although the exact timing is uncertain. Showers should pick up intermittently on Saturday, with a 30 to 40 per cent chance of showers in the forecast, explains Proctor.
The frontal system is expected to move out of the region on Friday night, but weekend showers are possible through Sunday in its wake.
People heading outdoors should be aware that heavy rainfall can cause sudden rises in river and creek levels. Similarly, heavy rain may create poor visibility on roads during the afternoon commute and increase the risk of hydroplaning.
Proctor adds that the roads may be especially precarious considering this is the first significant storm in a while, producing grimmer, slicker conditions.
Drivers should turn on their lights and maintain a safe distance from other vehicles if visibility is reduced.
Stay up-to-date with hyperlocal forecasts across 50 neighbourhoods in the Lower Mainland with V.I.A.'s Weatherhood.
