Metro Vancouver weather Environment Canada provides update on atmospheric river

An atmospheric river is expected to impact Metro Vancouver with heavy rain and wind starting overnight Thursday, October 23. Environment Canada meteorologist Bobby Sekhon noted that this storm is a "weakening atmospheric river," thus less destructive than previous events, yet still significant. Rainfall warnings may be issued for areas with higher elevations, such as Port Coquitlam and the North Shore Mountains. Travelers should be cautious as potentially powerful winds could disrupt ferry services and cause power outages due to falling trees. Additionally, a less impactful weather system will precede the main storm, bringing light wind and rain late Wednesday.

After the storm passes, colder air from northern B. C. could result in snowfall in higher elevations over the weekend. Sekhon urged residents to monitor forecasts and stay prepared for changing weather conditions. This weather event highlights the frequent occurrence of atmospheric rivers in the region, with 20 to 30 reported annually.