Flood Warning issued for South Coast, Pemberton Valley and Kingcome River

The BC River Forecast Centre has upgraded a Flood Watch to a Flood Warning for the South Coast, the Pemberton Valley and the Kingcome River, and is urging people to stay clear of fast-flowing rivers.

The South Coast warning area includes Howe Sound, Sea-to-Sky and the North Shore Mountains, which puts part of Metro Vancouver's surroundings inside the zone. In the Pemberton Valley, the warning covers the Lillooet River mainstem and its tributaries.

According to the notice, fast-flowing bodies of water increase the risk to life safety. The centre advised people to keep away from potentially unstable riverbanks and never to drive across flooded roads, bridges or river crossings.

Under the province's definitions, a Flood Warning means river levels have exceeded the riverbank or will soon, and flooding may occur in areas near the affected rivers. A Flood Watch, the earlier stage, means levels are rising and will approach or may exceed the bank. A Flood Watch is also in place for some other areas of B.C.

Vancouver Is Awesome reported that flood warnings were raised on the South Coast after more than 200 millimetres of rain fell in some places over a 24-hour period.

PreparedBC offers resources on how to prepare for floods.