Environment Canada issues rainfall and wind warnings for the Fraser Canyon

FRASER CANYON/BOSTON BAR/LYTTON – Environment Canada has issued a rainfall warning starting this evening for the Fraser Canyon between Boston Bar and Lytton and into Sunday morning.

According to the text of a special weather statement, heavy rain with total accumulations of up 50 mm could fall between now and Sunday morning between Boston Bar and Lytton.

The rainfall warning is due to a potent low pressure system.

The heaviest rainfall is expected from late this evening into the overnight hours, with rainfall rates possibly reaching up to 5-7 mm per hour for several hours.

Highway 1 approximately 12 km north of Boston Bar is pictured in this DriveBC image. (Image Credit: DriveBC.)

Environment Canada expects that water will likely pool on roads and in low-lying areas.

Landslides may occur in vulnerable areas such as steep slopes, deforested areas or recent burn scars.

A wind warning is also in effect for the Fraser Canyon thanks to another strong low-pressure system approaching the B.C. coast, bringing a prolonged period of southeasterly winds with gusts ranging from 60 to 80 km/h across the B.C. Interior this weekend.

Environment Canada says these winds will strengthen this evening and are expected to peak by Sunday morning. Winds will then ease slightly before an incoming cold front brings a strong push of southwesterly winds, with gusts potentially reaching 90 km/h starting early Sunday afternoon for western regions. These gusty winds are expected to ease by Sunday evening.