Large-scale rainfall warning expanded to include Coquihalla between Hope and Merritt

Environment Canada has issued a yellow-level rainfall warning for the Hope to Merritt section of the Coquihalla Highway.

The warning was issued just before 4:30 p.m. Sunday (Jan. 11) as the weather office says between 50 and 70 millimetres of rain is expected to fall Sunday night and all day Monday.

“An atmospheric river affects the South Coast tonight through Monday [and it] will bring heavy rain to the Coquihalla Highway and the Manning – Skagit Valley,” the warning said. “The heavy rain is expected to ease Monday evening.”

“Water will likely pool on roads and in low-lying areas. Visibility will likely be suddenly reduced at times.”

A similar rainfall warning has been in place for Highway 3 between Hope and Princeton since early Sunday morning.

Rainfall warnings are also in effect across most of Vancouver Island, as well as the B.C. south coast, the Fraser Valley, and Metro Vancouver.

Environment Canada says up to 200 millimetres of rain is expected along the west side of Vancouver Island, up to 135 millimetres is expected in the island’s inland region, while 100 millimetres is expected on the eastern side.

On the mainland, up to 150 millimetres of rain is expected in Metro Vancouver, while up to 100 millimetres is expected in the Fraser Valley before easing Monday night.

A number of flood watches and high streamflow advisories are also in effect across coastal British Columbia and Haida Gwaii.

You can find the latest weather alerts from Environment Canada here and the latest from the River Forecast Centre here.