Up to 120 mm of rain expected in B.C. ‘atmospheric river’ weather system

PORT ALBERNI — A potent storm is set to lash British Columbia’s coast, part of an atmospheric river system, with up to 120 millimetres of rain forecasted in some areas.

Environment Canada has issued a yellow-level rainfall warning for western, northern and inland areas of Vancouver Island, where the rainfall rate is expected to top 10 millimetres an hour for several hours.

The BC River Forecast Centre has meanwhile issued a high streamflow advisory for the province’s south and central coasts, including much of Vancouver Island, in response to what it describes as a series of atmospheric rivers.

Environment Canada says the heaviest rain is expected in areas northwest of Tofino, including Port Alice and Zeballos.

It says the central coast will also see heavy rain, while the northern and central coasts will face gusts of wind at speeds up to 110 kilometres an hour.

The heavy rain is set to persist into Friday, and the forecaster says more wet weather is on the way, as the incoming low-pressure system is the first of several.

The River Forecast Centre says a second system is expected to hit B.C. on Saturday and stretch into Sunday, with a third set to arrive on Monday.

“Rivers are expected to rise rapidly in response to rainfall, with peak flows from the first storm expected on Friday,” the advisory says.

“Rivers may experience short reprieves in levels in between storms, however potential for high flows should be expected throughout the remainder of the week, through the weekend and into next week.”

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 5, 2026.

The Canadian Press