A Pineapple Express storm drenched Metro Vancouver on Friday, leaving pools of rainwater on roads and drenching local ski hills already sparse with snow.
The heavy downpour prompted a warning from Environment Canada, and has already been blamed for a seven-vehicle crash on the Queensborough Bridge that snarled traffic during the morning commute.
Police said the wet weather is also a likely factor in a recent spike in crashes in Vancouver.
“We’ve been to over 30 collisions in the last 24 hours,” Const. Brian Montague said. “Not all of them will be weather-related, but weather will probably be a factor in most.”
Environment Canada said 10 to 25 millimetres of rain dropped in Metro Vancouver on Friday morning alone, and estimates up to 70 millimetres will fall by Saturday morning.
The agency cautioned the rain could cause localized flooding in low-lying areas, and advised the public to stay away from swollen rivers and creeks.
Deep pools of water in some of those areas were already visible by Friday afternoon. In Burnaby, a car parked at Westminster and Still Creek avenues was buried up to the front wheel well in water.
Even more rainfall is forecast on the North shore Mountains, where snow has been melting fast on struggling ski hills.
The poor conditions led executives at Mount Seymour to offer seasons pass holders free skiing and snowboarding on Vancouver Island this week.
“We are as eager as all of our pass holders to receive additional snowfall, and hope that by officering complimentary skiing and snowboarding at Mount Washington Alpine Resort, our pass holders can continue to enjoy the snow,” resort president Eddie Wood said in a release.
Vancouver police said visibility on roads is always an issue in heavy rain, and urged pedestrians to wear reflective clothing.
Officers also handed out thousands of portable reflectors Friday to help keep people safe.
With a report from CTV Vancouver’s Nafeesa Karim
