Fraser Valley on flood watch with heavy rain expected through weekend

The Fraser Valley is on flood watch with heavy rain expected to begin today (Oct. 18). 

According to the B.C. River Forecast Centre, another atmospheric river system is forecast to hit B.C. during the day on Friday, with rain falling into Sunday (Oct. 20). 

Per the flood advisory, rivers are anticipated to rise rapidly in response to rainfall with current hydrologic modelling indicating the potential for flooding in areas including the Fraser Valley. 

“Current hydrologic modelling from the US National Weather Service is not indicating a high likelihood of flood flows in the Nooksack River, however this outlook could change through the weekend, particularly if the forecasted storm track shifts further south or stalls,” the advisory reads. 

A rainfall warning from Environment Canada expects rainfall totals ranging from 40 to 70 mm for Metro Vancouver and near the mountains of the Fraser Valley West region, including Abbotsford. 

The warning forecasts rain beginning Friday morning and intensifying through the afternoon and evening, with the heaviest rain expected Saturday morning (Oct. 19) and early afternoon. 

“Rain should ease Saturday evening, though a second pulse of rain is expected Sunday,” the warning reads.