Widespread flooding is expected on parts of the west coast of Vancouver Island Wednesday due to heavy rain and melting snow.
The River Forecast Centre in Victoria issued the notice after elevating a flood watch for the area to a flood warning.
The warning applies to Gold River, Heber River, and other rivers near the communities of Gold River, Zeballos and Tahsis on the northwest coast of the Island.
The centre says more than 80 millimetres of rain was recorded at Gold River in 18 hours and a higher freezing level is causing a rapid snow melt, pouring more water into the rivers.
It says that with rivers and streams expected to reach flood stage Wednesday, widespread flooding is expected.
Duncan and North Cowichan
But the Cowichan Valley, which experienced intense flooding last Friday that forced 300 residents from their homes, may be spared another disaster.
A regional evacuation order was lifted on Monday, but residents remain under evacuation alert -- meaning they could be told to leave again on short notice.
Environment Canada predicts the time of peak river levels will correspond to periods of low tide in the region on Wednesday and Thursday, diminishing the likelihood of flood.
"High tide was roughly 11 a.m. today, and the crest of the Cowichan River is supposed to be around or after dinner tonight," North Cowichan information officer Joe Barry said. "We're cautiously optimistic."
But despite the forecast, local governments and residents are taking no chances.
City crews have erected 27-inch tall concrete barriers around Lakes Road, and local schools and apartment buildings have been sandbagged in preparation of a potential second flood.
"There's a lot of precipitation coming down up Island," Barry said. "They don't know where the system is going to track."
Metro Vancouver is not immune to the incoming storm -- as much as 65-millimetres of rain is expected over the next 36 hours.
With files from The Canadian Press
