A special weather statement warns an atmospheric river is expected to hit the South Coast Saturday evening and continue through Sunday.

B.C.’s South Coast is bracing for a second atmospheric river Saturday, after Thursday’s storm left 100,000 households without power.

While some areas can expect up to 100 millimetres of rain starting Saturday night and continuing Sunday, meteorologists say this atmospheric river won’t be as severe as the one that pummelled the coast in November 2021.

Start your day with a roundup of B.C.-focused news and opinion delivered straight to your inbox at 7 a.m., Monday to Friday.

A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder.

The next issue of Sunrise presented by Vancouver Sun will soon be in your inbox.

We encountered an issue signing you up. Please try again

Environment and Climate Change Canada posted a special weather statement early Friday, saying B.C.’s South Coast, including Vancouver Island, can expect heavy rain and strong winds Saturday night to Sunday night.

“An atmospheric river will bring continuous rain and mild temperatures” to the South Coast, according to the weather alert, which urged residents to watch for the statement to be upgraded to a warning. The federal weather agency also said that mild temperatures will elevate snow levels and precipitation along the highway passes will fall as rain.

Bobby Sekhon, a meteorologist with Environment and Climate Change Canada, said an atmospheric river is a long plume of moisture, from the Pacific Ocean from the subtropics or the tropics, that brings large amounts of moisture, usually some warmer air, and often strong winds. It’s similar to the phenomenon called a Pineapple Express, although he said that’s typically just from the tropics near Hawaii.

Saturday’s atmospheric river is normal for this time of year, he said, however what is abnormal is the drought that preceded this week’s storm.

“That causes uncertainty about how much the ground can absorb the water, and what this means for drought-stricken trees. So, we have some of those conditions in place which make it difficult to know how this will unfold,” said Sekhon.

He said he wouldn’t be surprised if there was some low level flooding, and urged all residents to make sure the leaves are cleared out of drains. Sekhon also said this storm is a good reminder to make sure everyone has their emergency kits up to date in case of power outages.

The atmospheric river over the South Coast isn’t expected to linger, said Sekhon, as drier and cooler weather is expected next week.

This is potentially good news for trick or treaters, as it looks like the heavy rain will ease up in time for Halloween on Monday, although the forecast still calls for a chance of showers during the day and overnight.

Drought vs. Atmospheric River... Lynn Creek at the Suspension Bridge. #BCStorm pic.twitter.com/OLTCi7lAu8

Although the atmospheric river isn’t expected to be as severe as last fall, the B.C. government still issued a weather warning this week after a failure to do so before last year’s catastrophic flooding left thousands unprepared.

A bulletin issued by the Public Safety Ministry earlier this week warned that residents in the Lower Mainland, on Vancouver Island and on the North and Central coasts can expect stormy weather through to Halloween on Monday.

It said that at the end of a drought, this influx can cause flooding, although extreme weather, such as last November, isn’t in the forecast.

Thursday’s storm brought heavy rain and winds, which knocked down branches, trees and some power lines, causing thousands to lose power. B.C. Hydro said Friday morning that it had restored power to the vast majority of the roughly 100,000 customers who were without electricity at the height of the storm.

Meantime, Canada still has no ranking system for the meteorological phenomena known as atmospheric rivers. A ranking system has been developed in the U.S., from one to five, similar to that used for hurricanes.

— With files from Gord Hoekstra and The Canadian Press

More news, fewer ads: Our in-depth journalism is possible thanks to the support of our subscribers. For just $3.50 per week, you can get unlimited, ad-lite access to The Vancouver Sun, The Province, National Post and 13 other Canadian news sites. Support us by subscribing today: The Vancouver Sun | The Province.

A special weather statement for heavy rain and wind this weekend is in effect for Metro Vancouver.

Kerr's Molasses Kisses have ruthlessly exploited an economic loophole in Halloween

A special weather statement Wednesday said the region could receive up to 70 millimetres of rain.

A new pay model for doctors will be offered in February and one clinic said that and an earlier incentive to attract new medical grads to family practice hasn't helped it find replacements for two doctors who have left in the past year

The heavy rain is expected to begin Saturday night and continue through to Sunday night.

Postmedia is committed to maintaining a lively but civil forum for discussion and encourage all readers to share their views on our articles. Comments may take up to an hour for moderation before appearing on the site. We ask you to keep your comments relevant and respectful. We have enabled email notifications—you will now receive an email if you receive a reply to your comment, there is an update to a comment thread you follow or if a user you follow comments. Visit our Community Guidelines for more information and details on how to adjust your email settings.

365 Bloor Street East, Toronto, Ontario, M4W 3L4

© 2022 Vancouver Sun, a division of Postmedia Network Inc. All rights reserved. Unauthorized distribution, transmission or republication strictly prohibited.

This website uses cookies to personalize your content (including ads), and allows us to analyze our traffic. Read more about cookies here. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.