Atmospheric river takes aim at Southern B.C. - BC News

A long stretch of heavy rainfall is expected this weekend, prompting warnings from Environment Canada and B.C.'s River Forecast Centre.

Starting Friday afternoon and carrying on until Sunday night, an atmospheric river is expected to take aim at the South and Central Coast regions of B.C., as well as parts of the Interior, including the Columbia.

For those travelling the Trans Canada Highway, the stretch between Eagle Pass and Rogers Pass is also expected to get hit by heavy rains. The national weather agency remarked earlier in the week that it could get snow before the rain comes in.

Environment Canada said the storm, which could bring a total of 50 to 80 milmetres of water, is a risk due to potential pooling on roads, swollen rivers and creeks, the national weather agency said. It also brings an increased risk of washouts, rockfall, and landslides due to heavy rainfall.

"If visibility is reduced while driving, slow down, watch for tail lights ahead and be prepared to stop. Watch for possible washouts near rivers, creeks and culverts," Environment Canada warned.

B.C.'s River Forecast Centre has issued a flood watch for tributaries in Central and South Coasts, the Sunshine coast as well as much of the Lower Mainland.

Within the Interior, there's a high streamflow advisory for Interior Mountains including tributary rivers in the Upper Fraser, North Thompson, South Thompson, Cariboo Mountains, and Upper Columbia