Heavy rain heading for the lower mainland

Environment and Climate Change Canada has issued a warning for another major storm in the region.

On Tuesday, a Pacific frontal system will form a shower on the south coast. The rain, which is expected to be heavy at times, could cause high flows and localized flooding in Metro Vancouver, the Fraser Valley and Howe Sound.

The ECCC says 50 to 70 mm of rain is expected, with an accumulation of 100 mm on the west coast of Vancouver Island.

1130 NewsRadio meteorologist Michael Kuss explains that while rain showers will be felt in the morning, the rain storm will hit Tuesday afternoon and into the evening.

“Temperatures will continue to rise all day long,” he said. “In fact, our warmest readings will probably be near midnight, when we could be 10 plus degrees.”

“It will remain mild until tomorrow when the rain tapers off. Winds are likely to be strongest in a window between 10pm and around 2am, still out of the south-east and then shifting more westerly,” he added.

The rain should clear up on Wednesday, says Kuss, with sunshine in the afternoon.

Environment Canada is reminding residents that heavy rains can cause severe flooding on roads, which can make driving difficult. If visibility is poor while driving, slow down, turn on your headlights and keep a safe following distance, they say.

Alarms and forecasts can be monitored on Environment Canada website.