VANCOUVER -- B.C.'s South Coast is getting drenched in another round of heavy downpours Thursday.

A rainfall warning remains in place for Howe Sound, though warnings for Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley were lifted late Thursday morning.

Additional rainfall amounts of 20 to 30 milimetres are expected Thursday.

The heavy showers are expected to ease somewhat by the afternoon. However, rain will redevelop by the evening as the next system approaches the region.

Rapid downpours can cause flash floods and water pooling on roadways.

Drivers are being warned to watch for possible washouts near rivers, creeks and culverts.

A rainfall warning is in effect for:

  • Howe Sound

A wind warning was also put into effect Thursday morning for parts of Vancouver Island and the Sunshine Coast.

Wind warnings are in effect for:

  • East Vancouver Island - Courtenay to Campbell River
  • East Vancouver Island - Nanoose Bay to Fanny Bay
  • West Vancouver Island
  • Sunshine Coast - Gibsons to Earls Cove
  • Sunshine Coast - Saltery Bay to Powell River

Powerful wind gusts of up to 70 km/h are expected through to early Friday morning.

Environment Canada warns high winds may toss loose objects or cause tree branches to break.

Officials are asking people to avoid wooded areas to prevent injury from falling trees or branches.

They say campers should move to sturdy shelters.