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It’s time to get out the rain boots and clear out the gutters.
Environment Canada is warning the first fall storm is approaching the North Shore, with heavy rain and wind expected over North and West Vancouver on Thursday.
The storm is also expected to hit areas of Howe Sound, Coquitlam and Maple Ridge.
Periods of rain are expected to begin overnight Wednesday (Oct. 26) and intensify to heavy rain on Thursday, with total amounts between 40 and 60 millimetres, said Derek Lee, meteorologist with Environment Canada. Rainfall is likely to be most intense near the North Shore mountains.
The storm – the first of the season following an unusually dry start to fall – is also expected to bring windy conditions, with wind reaching speeds of 30 to 50 kilometres an hour, and up to 70 km/h near the water, said Lee.
It’s possible trees weakened by the drought could be vulnerable to those winds.
The heavy downpours could also cause flash floods and water pooling on roads (like sections of the Upper Levels highway through West Vancouver). Localized flooding in low-lying areas (like West Vancouver’s Ambleside area) is also possible.
Municipal crews are expected to be out on the North Shore Thursday, monitoring creeks and catch basins during heavy rain to ensure debris that could lead to flooding doesn’t build up.
Residents are encouraged to help by keeping the nearest storm drain to their property clear of leaves and debris.
The District of North Vancouver is also warning residents to be cautious when visiting parks and river areas as trees may be fragile and water levels can rise rapidly during heavy rain. Residents should keep pets on a leash, stay away from river banks and listen for sounds of cracking branches.
Rain is expected to taper off Thursday evening.
Lee said a small break in the rain is expected Friday and Saturday before the next weather system hits on Sunday.
