Heavy rains forecast on B.C. coast Friday, possibility of debris slides

Photo: The Canadian Press

Heavy rain is expected to fall on B.C.'s coast Friday, and the precipitation could cause problems for some of the province's fire-affected regions.

Environment Canada has issued a rainfall warning for Friday, calling for heavy rain in Metro Vancouver, the Fraser Valley, the Sunshine Coast and the east side of Vancouver Island.

Up to 70 millimetres of rain is forecast to fall throughout the day Friday, with the possibility of even more over Howe Sound and the North Shore mountains.

“A robust frontal system will bring heavy rain to the B.C. South Coast on Friday. Rain will begin late overnight and intensify during the day on Friday,” Environment Canada warns. “As the system moves through, heavy rain and gusty winds will ease Friday night.”

DriveBC has issued a travel advisory for the Trans-Canada Highway between Lytton and Spences Bridge, due to the heavy rain forecast for that region as well.

“Closure may result due to the risk of sudden debris flows in fire-affected areas,” Drive BC says. “Motorists are advised to exercise caution when travelling and consider alternate routes. Adjust travel plans to account for potential detours.”

The region was hit hard by wildfires this summer, and the village of Lytton was all but completely destroyed in late June. Fire-damaged hills can be more susceptible to debris slides during period of heavy rain, as was seen north of Lytton last month.

Meanwhile, the forecast calls for a chance of showers across the Okanagan and in Kamloops on Friday.