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Rainfall alert upgraded to warning for Metro Vancouver as 70 mm expected Friday

More than 50 mm will fall before the weekend.
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Vancouver will be hit by heavy rain on Friday, Sept. 17, with up to 70 mm for most of the Lower Mainland.

A rain alert issued earlier this week has been updated to include even more rain for Metro Vancouver tomorrow.

For residents around the Lower Mainland Friday, Sept. 17 could see up to 70 mm of rainfall, Environment Canada says in the updated alert, which is now classified as a warning due to concerns for safety.

Also added to the warning is the expectation of winds up to 60 km/h coming from the southeast.

"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. As the system moves through, heavy rain and gusty winds will ease Friday night," states Environment Canada. "Heavy downpours can cause flash floods and water pooling on roads. If visibility is reduced while driving, turn on your lights and maintain a safe following distance."

More than 70 mm may fall in the Howe Sound and North Shore mountains.

That much rain may cause issues for anyone who hasn't prepared for the city's rainy season, Environment Canada adds.

"Consider clearing leaves and debris from drainage areas as the heavy rain could pose issues with regards to potential local flooding," the agency states.

The province is also warning area residents in advance of the storm, reminding people to be vigilant of falling trees, downed power lines and flooding (especially near creek banks which may erode quickly).

"The River Forecast Centre also warns of high stream flow and potential flooding for parts of Vancouver Island and the South Coast," they state in a press release.

The warning covers the whole Metro region, including:

  • Central including the City of Vancouver Burnaby and New Westminster
  • North Shore including West Vancouver and North Vancouver
  • Northeast including Coquitlam and Maple Ridge
  • Southeast including Surrey and Langley
  • Southwest including Richmond and Delta

The warning has also been issued for the surrounding regions:

  • East Vancouver Island
  • The Fraser Valley
  • Howe Sound
  • The Sunshine Coast
  • Whistler

Editor's note: This story has been updated to include new information from Environment Canada and the province.