Minor coastal flooding possible as rain soaks Vancouver Island

Parts of Vancouver Island have received up to 210 millimetres of rain since Thursday in the first major weather system of British Columbia’s storm season. The rain could combine with high tides to soak some low-lying coastal areas.

The B.C. River Forecast Centre says a series of atmospheric river systems is expected to drench coastal areas in the coming days. Waterways are rising quickly, and flows in parts of northern and western Vancouver Island reached levels seen every two to five years on Friday. High streamflow advisories cover most of the island, the south and central coasts—including the Sea to Sky region—and the lower Fraser River basin.

Environment Canada has issued a coastal flooding statement for much of Vancouver Island’s west coast. Elevated ocean levels, strong winds and waves could push water above the highest astronomical tides. Minor flooding along low-lying shorelines is likely this weekend, the agency says.

A second round of rain is expected later today and into Sunday, with the heaviest downpours forecast for Vancouver Island, the Sea to Sky and Howe Sound areas, and the North Shore mountains, the river forecast centre says. A third storm expected Monday may bring a more prolonged period of rain across B.C.’s coast through next week.

The Canadian Press first published this report on Nov. 7, 2026.