4:37 p.m. PDT Monday 16 March 2026
Impact Level: Moderate
Forecast Confidence: High
Prolonged Atmospheric River Event
Where:
- Northern sections of Inland Vancouver Island including Gold River.
When: Now until Wednesday morning.
What: Total rainfall amounts of 100 to 150 mm.
Impacts:
-Prolonged heavy rain on snow combined with mountain snow melt could lead to very enhanced responses in river systems and potential for flooding.
-Extensive water pooling on roads and washouts may occur.
-Enhanced risk of landslides due to saturation of landscapes.
Remarks:
An atmospheric river will remain over the South Coast of B.C. until Wednesday bringing prolonged periods of heavy rain. With freezing levels near 2000 to 3000 metres, snowmelt from higher elevations may increase the impacts associated with this rainfall event. The heaviest rainfall is expected tonight. The rain will ease on Wednesday morning.
Total rainfall amounts will vary across the region, but between 100 to 150 mm can be expected over northern inland regions of Vancouver Island by Wednesday morning. Southern sections, including Port Alberni and Lake Cowichan, may receive near 50 to 70 mm of rain.
Water will likely pool on roads and in low-lying areas. Some travel delays are possible. Landslides may occur in vulnerable areas such as steep slopes, deforested areas or recent burn scars. Fast-moving and rapidly rising water can sweep vehicles away and damage infrastructure.
Watch for washouts near rivers, creeks and culverts.
Please continue to monitor alerts and forecasts issued by Environment Canada. To report severe weather, send an email to BCstorm@ec.gc.ca or post reports on X using #BCStorm.
In effect for:
