Coastal B. C. on Alert: Heavy Rain and Wind Expected

Are you ready for some wild weather? British Columbia's south and central coasts are bracing for a major storm this weekend. Forecasters are warning about an atmospheric river system set to hit on Friday, which could bring flooding, heavy rain, and strong winds. The River Forecast Centre has issued a flood watch for these areas, and Environment Canada has upgraded their weather statement to a rainfall warning. Vancouver Island's mountainous regions might get over 200 millimetres of rain! But that's not all. The north and central coasts from Bella Bella to Haida Gwaii are under a wind warning, with gusts expected to reach up to 110 kilometres per hour. And if you thought the coast was getting it all, think again. The British Columbia and Yukon border areas are getting their first snowfall warnings of the season, with up to 20 centimetres expected in some places. Drivers, be cautious! On Friday night, visibility might drop due to drifting snow. Even the Trans-Canada Highway near Rogers Pass could see some wet snow turning into rain as the weather system moves in. By Sunday, an arctic ridge of high pressure will clear the skies, and temperatures might drop to around -20 degrees Celsius by Monday.