Environment Canada warns of possible power outages, flooding in Metro Vancouver

A Harbour Air seaplane takes off past office and condo towers as a boat refuels at a floating Chevron station on the water, in Vancouver, on July 25, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck

Environment and Climate Change Canada has issued wind and rainfall warnings for Metro Vancouver for Christmas Day and Boxing Day.

“It's going to hit the Lower Mainland with gusty winds, heavy rain, especially up along the North Shore mountains,” said Chris Doyle, a meteorologist with Environment and Climate Change Canada.

“Maybe a bit of a pause later on Christmas Day evening. And then early on Thursday, Boxing Day, another system with some more rain.”

This comes after areas of Metro Vancouver experienced record daily high temperatures, with West Vancouver seeing temperatures as high as 16 C, according to Environment Canada.

Doyle says to expect anywhere from 50 to 80 millimetres of rain, and possibly up to 100 millimetres in the North Shore, Coquitlam and Maple Ridge areas.

Environment Canada says the heavy rainfall and wind gusts up to 90 km/h could cause power outages, flooding and traffic disruptions.

The City of Vancouver has opened seven extra emergency shelters in preparation for the storm.

The City of Coquitlam is urging the public to take precautions, including preparing an emergency kit in case of power outages and keeping catch basins and gutters clear of leaves and debris.

Doyle says the earliest Metro Vancouver could see snowfall is likely not until mid to late January.