The first fall storm of the season is making its way to B.C’s North Coast, producing heavy rain and wind in Prince Rupert and Kitimat.
According to Environment Canada, the rain could lead to rapid rises in stream levels, increase landslide potential, and produce localized water pooling or flooding. Those impacts are likely to occur in areas that have experienced drought over the summer.
The heaviest weather is arriving today, with 15 to 25 mm of rain expected in Kitimat and another 5 to 10 mm possible tonight.
Prince Rupert is also in for a wet and windy day, with 10 to 15 millimetres of rain expected and southeast winds reaching 40 km/h, with gusts up to 60. Rain will continue into tonight before ending late in the evening, with another 5 to 10 millimetres possible and winds gusting to 50 before becoming light.
The storm will begin to ease on Wednesday, although unsettled conditions will remain. Kitimat will be mainly cloudy with a 60 percent chance of showers, while Prince Rupert will see a mix of sun and cloud with a 40 percent chance of morning showers.
Although the extreme weather is anticipated to pass through today and tonight, the rainy and windy conditions come with some challenges for areas that are susceptible to run-offs, floods, and landslides.
Environment Canada warns that people should continue to monitor weather advisories and updates as the storm passes through the North Coast.
