Special Weather Statement In Effect

Potential for locally heavy rainfall and thunderstorms

What: Thunderstorms could enhance local rainfall amounts.

When: Late this evening to Saturday morning.

Where: Fraser Canyon, South Thompson and Nicola.

Additional information: An upper level low will track across the South Coast and southwestern interior today and tonight. Showers and thunderstorms associated with this system could produce locally heavy rainfall, with rainfall rates potentially high enough to cause localized flash flooding, especially in areas with slow moving showers.

Current weather model guidance suggests that locally significant rainfall amounts are possible. However, there remains uncertainty regarding the exact location and magnitude of the heaviest rainfall, as convective showers and thunderstorms can be highly localized.

Enhanced risk of landslides in vulnerable areas, particularly those affected by recent wildfires (burn scars). The combination of heavy rainfall and potentially unstable soils could trigger landslides or debris flows, posing potential hazards to public safety, infrastructure and natural landscapes.

The anticipated high precipitation rates over a short duration could lead to water pooling in areas with poor drainage, exacerbating localized flooding concerns. Communities with historically lower drainage capacities should be particularly vigilant.

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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 social media using #BCStorm.