Rivers on Vancouver Island are expected to rise this week.
The River Forecast Centre has issued a High Streamflow Advisory for all of Vancouver Island, noting that “several atmospheric rivers” are expected to pass over the region.
“These systems have the potential for significant rainfall and flood risk throughout the region over the weekend and into next week,” the River Forecast Centre warns.
The first of these storms is expected to make landfall on Wednesday, Nov. 24. The storm is expected to bring “heavy rainfall,” says the River Forecast Centre, with 150mm to 200mm expected on Western Vancouver Island, and lower amounts for the eastern side of Vancouver Island.
Rivers are expected to rise on Thursday in response to rainfall. A prolonged period of high flows is expected over the weekend and into next week.
The public is advised to stay clear of fast-flowing rivers and potentially unstable riverbanks during the high-streamflow period.
Sand and sand bags are available at three locations in the Alberni Valley. Residents are asked to bring their own shovel.
- City of Port Alberni Public Works Yard (4150 6th Ave)
- Harold Bishop Firehall (7667 Pacific Rim Highway)
- Beaver Creek Firehall (6038 Beaver Creek Road)
“There is still considerable uncertainty over the locations and severity rainfall of the weekend and next week storm cycles, however the pattern of extremely active weather and heavy rainfall is expected throughout the advisory region,” the River Forecast Centre notes.
For the most up-to-date information about flooding risk in the Alberni Valley, follow the Alberni Valley Emergency Program Facebook page or the Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District Twitter account.