Alerts: Warnings

[Typeing3]

4:43 AM PST Thursday 22 December 2022
Arctic outflow 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
Strong outflow winds and cold wind chill values will continue.

Locations: Metro Vancouver and Fraser Valley.

Threat: Bitterly cold temperatures and strong winds.

Wind Chill Values: Minus 25 to minus 20 in Metro Vancouver, Fraser Valley West including Abbotsford and Fraser Valley Central including Chilliwack. Minus 30 to minus 25 in Fraser Valley East including Hope.

Time span: Today and tonight.

Remarks: An arctic front has brought in a cold airmass to the south coast. Strong outflow winds are bringing temperatures 5 to 10 degrees below seasonal normals resulting in wind chill values approaching minus 20 to minus 30 over the Lower Mainland.

Over Metro Vancouver, conditions are expected to improve this afternoon as temperatures rise. However, over the Fraser valley, the extreme cold conditions will continue through tonight.

Ensure that shelter is provided for pets and outdoor animals. Be prepared for unusually cold temperatures and strong winds.

Please continue to monitor alerts and forecasts issued by Environment Canada. To report severe weather, send an email to BCstorm@ec.gc.ca or tweet reports using #BCStorm.

3:49 PM PST Thursday 22 December 2022
Winter storm 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
Hazardous winter conditions are expected.

Travel conditions will be challenging due to heavy snow, ice pellets, freezing rain, and heavy rain on snow or ice.

Locations: South Coast.

Time span: This evening to Saturday (Christmas Eve).

Hazards: Heavy snow followed by freezing rain and rain, localized strong winds, and localized windchill due to Arctic Outflow to minus 25, localized flooding in heavy rain.

Remarks: A Pacific frontal system combined with the cold Arctic airmass over B.C. will bring another round of snow to the South Coast starting this evening.

As freezing levels rise, heavy snow will become mixed with ice pellets and then change to rain late Friday over most of Vancouver Island, and Friday night to Saturday over the mainland. Snowfall amounts of 10 to 20 cm are expected. Local blowing snow is possible in strong easterly winds resulting in near zero visibilities.

Furthermore, freezing rain is expected during the transition from snow to rain, which could cause significant impact on road conditions. For inland sections of Vancouver Island, periods of freezing rain could continue into Saturday afternoon.

As the system progresses and warming becomes dominant, heavy rain is expected. Localized flooding due to snow-blocked drains and melting snow is likely.

In the Whistler area and on the Sea to Sky highway, precipitation will persist as snow, and become heavy at times on Saturday. Travellers should be prepared for significant travel delays on Saturday and Saturday night.

On the west side of Vancouver Island, on Saturday, rainfall amounts are likely to exceed 100 mm rainfall warning criteria.

Visibility will be suddenly reduced to near zero at times in heavy snow and blowing snow. Localized flooding in low-lying areas is possible. Take extra care when walking or driving in affected areas. Ice build-up may cause tree branches to break.

Winter storm warnings are issued when multiple types of severe winter weather are expected to occur together.

Please continue to monitor alerts and forecasts issued by Environment Canada. To report severe weather, send an email to BCstorm@ec.gc.ca or tweet reports using #BCStorm.

[AbbyJr]

Warnings
9:28 PM PST Thursday 22 December 2022
Winter storm warning in effect for:

Fraser Valley - central including Chilliwack
Fraser Valley - east including Hope
Fraser Valley - west including Abbotsford
Hazardous winter conditions are expected.

Travel conditions will be challenging due to heavy snow, ice pellets, freezing rain, and rain on snow or ice, followed by heavy rain.

Locations: Fraser Valley.

Time span: After midnight tonight through Saturday morning.

Threats: Heavy snow followed by freezing rain and heavy rain; Strong winds and reduced visibility in blowing snow; Arctic outflow and windchill near minus 20; Freezing rain with significant ice build-up and slippery surfaces.

Remarks: A Pacific frontal system combined with the cold Arctic airmass over B.C. will bring another round of heavy snow overnight and Friday.

As freezing levels rise, heavy snow will become mixed with ice pellets Friday afternoon and then change over to freezing rain Friday evening. The freezing rain will finally change over to rain Saturday afternoon. The transition to freezing rain then to rain will occur at least six hours later in Hope.

Total snowfall accumulation of 15 to 25 cm and ice accretion of 15 to 25 mm are expected. Local blowing snow is possible through Friday morning in strong easterly winds resulting in near zero visibilities.

Consider postponing non-essential travel until conditions improve. Surfaces such as highways, roads, walkways and parking lots may become icy and slippery. Localized flooding in low-lying areas is possible. Ice build-up may cause tree branches to break.

Please continue to monitor alerts and forecasts issued by Environment Canada. To report severe weather, send an email to BCstorm@ec.gc.ca or tweet reports using #BCStorm.

[Typeing3]

1:20 PM PST Friday 23 December 2022
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
Rainfall, combined with melting snow, is expected. The frozen ground has a reduced ability to absorb this rainfall.

Time span: Tomorrow (Christmas Eve).

Location: Metro Vancouver.

Rainfall accumulations: 25 to 50 mm, except 60 to 90 mm for North Vancouver and northern sections of Coquitlam and Maple Ridge.

Threats: Localized flooding due to water pooling and ice-clogged drainage. Slippery surfaces before the ice and snow melt completely. Ice falling from infrastructure may give rise to injuries and damages.

Remarks: A Pacific system will bring heavy rain and a warmer airmass to the B.C. south coast tomorrow. Precipitation phase will switch from freezing rain and ice pellets to rain sometime between late afternoon and tonight. Periods of rain will intensify tomorrow morning. Heavy rain will taper off to a few showers tomorrow late afternoon or early evening.

Localized flooding in low-lying areas is possible. Be prepared for possible winter conditions at higher elevations.

Please continue to monitor alerts and forecasts issued by Environment Canada. To report severe weather, send an email to BCstorm@ec.gc.ca or tweet reports using #BCStorm.

[Typeing3]

4:09 PM PST Wednesday 10 January 2024
The first Arctic intrusion of the year is on the horizon.

When: Thursday night to Saturday afternoon.

Where: Metro Vancouver, Greater Victoria, Fraser Valley and Southern Gulf Islands

Hazard: Risk of frostbite and hypothermia.

Wind chill value: minus 20.

Remarks: Arctic air combined with strong outflow winds gusting to 60 km/h will generate wind chill values of minus 20 beginning on Thursday night.

Wind chill values may moderate on Saturday afternoon but uncertainty remains on the timing of the warm-up.

Frostbite and hypothermia can occur within minutes if adequate precautions are not taken when outdoors. Any skin exposure will result in frostbite.

If outside, dress warmly in layers and stay dry. Cover as much exposed skin as possible to avoid frostbite.

Please continue to monitor alerts and forecasts issued by Environment Canada. To report severe weather, send an email to BCstorm@ec.gc.ca or tweet reports using #BCStorm.

[AbbyJr]

10:54 AM PST Tuesday 16 January 2024

Hazardous winter conditions are expected.

Heavy snow and blowing snow.

When: Tonight through Wednesday evening.

Where: Fraser Valley.

Hazards: Significant snowfall accumulations of 15 to 25 cm, blowing snow in strong northeast or east winds.

Remarks: A Pacific low pressure system is expected to bring a snow storm to the south coast from tonight to Wednesday. Poor visibility due to blowing snow is also a travel hazard in addition to heavy snowfall.

In addition, there is a risk of freezing rain tonight in southern sections near the United States border.

Surfaces such as highways, roads, walkways and parking lots may become difficult to navigate due to accumulating snow. Visibility may be suddenly reduced at times in heavy snow. Poor weather conditions may contribute to transportation delays.

Please continue to monitor alerts and forecasts issued by Environment Canada. To report severe weather, send an email to BCstorm@ec.gc.ca or tweet reports using #BCStorm.

[Typeing3]

10:58 AM PST Tuesday 16 January 2024
A snow storm is expected to arrive tonight.

When: Tonight to Wednesday afternoon or early evening.

Where: Metro Vancouver, Greater Victoria, Howe Sound, Whistler, Sunshine Coast, Southern Gulf Islands, East Vancouver Island, Inland Vancouver Island, Sea to Sky - Squamish to Whistler, Malahat Highway - Goldstream to Mill Bay.

Snowfall accumulations: Approximately 10 to 20 cm on the mainland side and southern Sunshine Coast and 10 cm for the Vancouver Island side and northern Sunshine Coast.

Remarks: A Pacific low pressure system is expected to bring widespread snow to the south coast tonight into Wednesday. Snow may become mixed with rain over Greater Victoria on Wednesday afternoon before easing late in the afternoon or early evening.

In addition, there is a risk of freezing rain tonight in southern sections near the United States border.

Visibility may be suddenly reduced at times in heavy snow. Surfaces such as highways, roads, walkways and parking lots may become difficult to navigate due to accumulating snow.

Be prepared to adjust your driving with changing road conditions.

Please continue to monitor alerts and forecasts issued by Environment Canada. To report severe weather, send an email to BCstorm@ec.gc.ca or tweet reports using #BCStorm.

[AbbyJr]

10:51 AM PST Wednesday 17 January 2024

Hazardous winter conditions are expected.

Heavy snow and blowing snow.

When: Now through early this evening.

Where: Fraser Valley.

Hazards: Significant snowfall accumulations of 20 to 30 cm, blowing snow in strong northeast or east winds.

Remarks: A Pacific low pressure system is currently bringing snow to the south coast. Current observations so far indicate Abbotsford has received 24 cm, Chilliwack 10 cm, and Hope 13 cm. Poor visibility due to blowing snow is also a travel hazard in addition to heavy snowfall.

In addition, there is a risk of freezing rain tonight in southern sections near the United States border.

Surfaces such as highways, roads, walkways and parking lots may become difficult to navigate due to accumulating snow. Visibility may be suddenly reduced at times in heavy snow. Poor weather conditions may contribute to transportation delays.

Please continue to monitor alerts and forecasts issued by Environment Canada. To report severe weather, send an email to BCstorm@ec.gc.ca or tweet reports using #BCStorm.

[Typeing3]

10:48 AM PST Wednesday 17 January 2024
When: Now through this afternoon.

Where: Metro Vancouver, Greater Victoria, Howe Sound, Whistler, Sunshine Coast, Southern Gulf Islands, East Vancouver Island, Inland Vancouver Island, Sea to Sky - Squamish to Whistler, Malahat Highway - Goldstream to Mill Bay.

Total Snowfall accumulations: 10 to 20 cm over Vancouver Island, 20 to 30 cm for the mainland side.

Remarks: A Pacific low pressure system is currently bringing widespread snow to the south coast. Current observations indicate 15 to 20 cm of snow has fallen over Vancouver Island, and 15 to 25 cm has fallen over the mainland side.

Snow may become mixed with rain over Greater Victoria this afternoon.

The heavy snow will taper off later this afternoon.

Visibility may be suddenly reduced at times in heavy snow. Surfaces such as highways, roads, walkways and parking lots may become difficult to navigate due to accumulating snow.

Be prepared to adjust your driving with changing road conditions.

Please continue to monitor alerts and forecasts issued by Environment Canada. To report severe weather, send an email to BCstorm@ec.gc.ca or tweet reports using #BCStorm.

[Typeing3]

7:50 PM PST Thursday 18 January 2024
Freezing rain is expected or occurring.

When: Tonight.

Where: Metro Vancouver Northeast and Southeast - including Coquitlam, Maple Ridge, Surrey and Langley.

Remarks: A Pacific frontal system combined with lingering cold air under outflow conditions will produce an extended period of freezing rain. Snow or ice pellets will transition to freezing rain this evening and change to rain overnight.

Surfaces such as highways, roads, walkways and parking lots may become icy and slippery.

Take extra care when walking or driving in affected areas. Be prepared to adjust your driving with changing road conditions.

Please continue to monitor alerts and forecasts issued by Environment Canada. To report severe weather, send an email to BCstorm@ec.gc.ca or tweet reports using #BCStorm.

[Mattman]

Good to see some meaningful snow in the Okanagan. But such snowfalls occur every winter on valley floors. EC is sure trigger-happy with warning, statements, and alerts.

[Typeing3]

5:09 AM PST Tuesday 27 February 2024
Snowfall accumulation of 5 to 8 cm expected.

Where: Northern sections of Metro Vancouver - including West Vancouver, North Vancouver, Coquitlam and Maple Ridge.

When: Late this afternoon to near midnight, potentially impacting the evening commute.

Remarks:
A weather system will bring a wintry mix of precipitation to the Lower Mainland late this afternoon through Wednesday.

Snow levels will be hovering near sea level, and precipitation will start as rain mixed with snow late this afternoon. Snowfall accumulations are expected to vary greatly with elevation and proximity to the water. Snow will initially melt as the ground is still warm but the likelihood of accumulation increases as the evening progresses.

With a warming southwesterly flow aloft, snow levels will rise overnight resulting in mixed precipitation changing to heavy rain overnight. Total snowfall accumulation of 5 to 8 cm can be expected before the phase change.

There may be a significant impact on rush hour traffic in urban areas.

Be prepared to adjust your driving with changing road conditions. If visibility is reduced while driving, turn on your lights and maintain a safe following distance.

Please continue to monitor alerts and forecasts issued by Environment Canada. To report severe weather, send an email to BCstorm@ec.gc.ca or tweet reports using #BCStorm.

[VanCitySouth]

8:58 AM PST Tuesday 27 February 2024
Local snowfall accumulation near 5 cm expected.

Where: Metro Vancouver - central including the City of Vancouver, Burnaby and New Westminster, Southeast including Surrey and Langley, and Southwest including Richmond and Delta

When: Late this afternoon to before midnight, potentially impacting the evening commute.

Remarks:
A weather system brings a wintry mix of precipitation to the Lower Mainland late this afternoon through Wednesday.

Snow levels will be hovering near sea level, and precipitation will start as rain mixed with snow late this afternoon. Snowfall accumulations are expected to vary greatly with elevation and proximity to the water.

With a warming southwesterly flow aloft, snow levels will rise overnight resulting in mixed precipitation changing to moderate to rain near midnight. Local snowfall accumulation near 5 cm can be expected before the phase change.

Moderate to heavy rain will persist through Wednesday and ease to a few showers Wednesday evening with the passage of the system. Total rainfall amounts will be from 20 to 40 mm.

There may be a significant impact on rush hour traffic in urban areas.

Be prepared to adjust your driving with changing road conditions.

Please continue to monitor alerts and forecasts issued by Environment Canada. To report severe weather, send an email to BCstorm@ec.gc.ca or tweet reports using #BCStorm.

[Typeing3]

2:40 PM PDT Saturday 6 July 2024

This is a heat warning. Elevated temperatures are expected and there is a moderate risk to public health.

Where: Metro Vancouver and Fraser Valley.

When: Beginning Sunday through the middle of next week.

Remarks: A building ridge of high pressure over the region is ushering in very high temperatures beginning Sunday. Daytime high temperatures will be in the low to mid 30's. Near the water, daytime highs will be in the high 20's. Overnight lows will be near 17 degrees. The hot temperatures are expected to moderate by the latter half of next week, but the exact timing is currently uncertain.

Watch for the effects of heat illness: heavy sweating, rash, cramps, fainting, high body temperature and the worsening of some health conditions.

Never leave susceptible people, particularly children, or pets inside a parked vehicle.

If you are in an overheated area, seek a cool place such as a tree-shaded area, splash pad, misting station, or air-conditioned spot like a public building.

To get more information:
- Check the local news for health and safety updates.
- Check HealthLinkBC online resources about heat-related illness and how to protect yourself at healthlinkbc.ca/healthlinkbc-files/heat-related-illness.
- Call HealthLinkBC at 8-1-1 to ask about heat-related illness.

Environment Canada and local Medical Health Officers expect an increase in health and safety risks from heat and are advising the public to take precautions.

Please continue to monitor alerts and forecasts issued by Environment Canada. To report severe weather, send an email to BCstorm@ec.gc.ca or tweet reports using #BCStorm.

In effect for:
Metro Vancouver - northeast including Coquitlam and Maple Ridge

[Typeing3]

5:24 AM PDT Friday 18 October 2024

Heavy rain expected today and continuing Saturday.

Where: Metro Vancouver, northern areas of Fraser Valley West, Howe Sound, and sections of the Sea-to-Sky highway south of Whistler.

When: Today and Saturday.

What: Storm totals of 40 to 70 mm are expected in Metro Vancouver and near the mountains of Fraser Valley West, with higher amounts potentially exceeding 100 mm over the North Shore Mountains. In the Sea-to-Sky corridor, totals of 70 to 100 mm are possible.

Hazards:
- Water pooling on roads
- Swollen rivers and creeks
- Minor coastal flooding

Remarks: A strong fall storm system will direct an atmospheric river towards the South Coast, bringing heavy rain to the region. Rain will begin this morning and intensify through the afternoon and evening, with the heaviest rain expected Saturday morning and early afternoon. Rain should ease Saturday evening, though a second pulse of rain is expected Sunday.

Ahead of the storm, ensure that drains are clear of leaves and debris and secure loose objects out-of-doors.

Keep up to date with the latest advisories from the River Forecast Centre at:
https://bcrfc.env.gov.bc.ca/warnings/index.htm

Heavy downpours can cause flash floods and water pooling on roads. Localized flooding in low-lying areas is possible.

If visibility is reduced while driving, turn on your lights and maintain a safe following distance.

Please continue to monitor alerts and forecasts issued by Environment Canada. To report severe weather, send an email to BCstorm@ec.gc.ca or tweet reports using #BCStorm.

[Typeing3]

8:31 PM PST Tuesday 19 November 2024

Very windy conditions are expected.

When: This evening to late Wednesday with peak wind speeds expected tonight and Wednesday morning.

Where: Metro Vancouver, East Vancouver Island, Sunshine Coast, Greater Victoria, Southern Gulf Islands, Inland Vancouver Island.

Wind: Easterly gusting to 80-100 km/h.

Remarks: A significant fall storm is impacting Vancouver Island and the BC south coast. A rapidly deepening low pressure system has arrived approximately 400 km southwest of Vancouver Island late this afternoon. This low is forecast to then curl northwards on Wednesday towards the Central Coast, remaining offshore through the period.

Easterly winds have increased this evening, with peak wind speeds expected for most areas tonight. Strong southeasterly winds will continue Wednesday morning but should ease late in the day.

East-to-west inland valleys can expect very strong winds as well.

Some areas can also expect heavy rain at times during this event, but winds will remain the primary concern.

For emergency preparedness tips visit Safety Canada at: https://www.getprepared.gc.ca/index-en.aspx

Damage to buildings, such as to roof shingles and windows, may occur. Loose objects may be tossed by the wind and cause injury or damage. High winds may result in power outages and fallen tree branches. Motorists, especially in high profile vehicles, may expect hazardous driving conditions on highways subject to strong cross winds.

Please continue to monitor alerts and forecasts issued by Environment Canada. To report severe weather, send an email to BCstorm@ec.gc.ca or tweet reports using #BCStorm.