Next atmospheric river to reach Coquihalla Summit

The third atmospheric river event in the past two weeks is making landfall today in British Columbia. The first atmospheric river lead to the devastating flooding in Merritt just over two weeks ago, the second river, was Sunday night, when the city was again preparing for the worst.

The third is expected to dump precipitation over the province tonight into Wednesday. Environment Canada Meteorologist Geoff Coulson spoke with Q101 News about the incoming system and what the Nicola Valley could experience.

“It looks like the lions-share of the precipitation will fall to the South of Merritt and Lower Nicola. The area remains under a flood warning by the river forecast centre so we know conditions are still very vulnerable, very sensitive,” said Coulson. “Looking at the path this next system is forecast to take, it looks like most of the rainfall in the area will fall from Hope to the Coquihalla Summit, they could see 40-70mm of rainfall.”

The Merritt area will receive showers, but in much lower amounts.

“Depending on where the precipitation falls there can still be impacts in different parts of the watershed, given the flows of the various rivers in the area,” added Coulson.

“Any rain that comes to the Coquihalla Summit will ultimately come down the Coldwater River,” said Merritt’s EOC Communications Manager Greg Lowis.

Following the midweek system, Coulson reported a calmer forecast into the weekend for the region.