Rainfall warning issued for Metro Vancouver

After the Summer of No Rain, Metro Vancouver is in for a deluge of wet weather over the next few days.

Environment Canada issued a heavy rainfall alert today (August 31) for Metro Vancouver, Howe Sound, and the Fraser Valley. Up to 60 millimetres of rain is expected in Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley today, while Howe Sound may see up to 80 millimetres.

Residents are asked to be on the lookout for washouts and localized flooding.

This year has been one of the driest on record in B.C. with only 6.8 millimetres of rain falling in June and less than 50 millimetres in July. 

Low winter snowfall rates combined with a dry spring and summer have lead to Stage 3 water restrictions across Vancouver and the Lower Mainland and Stage 4 conditions in the Okanagan.

This weekend, a powerful windstorm swept the Lower Mainland, causing massive power outages. Some residents are now in their third day without power.