Summary

• Coastal B.C. is experiencing a prolonged series of rain events, leading to high streamflows and flood watches
• Additional rain is forecast from Tuesday, March 17, to Friday, March 20, 2026, with heaviest amounts expected for the south coast
• Current high streamflow advisories for the south coastal regions could escalate through the week based on locations of heaviest rainfall
• Avalanche risk is also high due to warmer temperatures, precipitation and winds, so people should be aware, have a plan and take steps to prepare for potential impacts
• Avalanche Canada is advising backcountry users to stay out of avalanche terrain this week

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People in coastal regions should use caution through the week, as British Columbia will continue to experience a series of atmospheric rivers affecting the Pacific Northwest.

Significant rainfall is affecting B.C. The next period of heavy rain is anticipated overnight on Tuesday and through Friday. Rising temperatures may lead to snow melt. Storm systems are shifting southward and expected to be centred on Vancouver Island and the south coast through the week. High streamflow advisories could escalate through the week, based on the location of heaviest rainfall.

Recent heavy rainfall in the central coast, northern Vancouver Island and western Vancouver Island areas is currently not forecast to escalate, though the River Forecast Centre is monitoring streamflows closely.

Due to the strength of the storm system and increase in temperatures, areas within the Interior may see high streamflows. Advisories may be issued for those areas later in the week.

Flood watches and high streamflow advisories

The B.C. River Forecast Centre continues to monitor forecasts and will provide updates throughout the week as conditions warrant. Flood watches and high streamflow advisories have been issued for the following communities and rivers:

• Flood watches
  • central coast
• High streamflow advisories
  • north coast
  • south coast
  • Metro Vancouver
  • Fraser Valley
  • Lillooet River near Pemberton
  • Lillooet River at Tenas Narrows
  • Upper Fraser
  • northern Vancouver Island
  • eastern Vancouver Island
  • central Vancouver Island
  • western Vancouver Island
  • southern Vancouver Island

Stay safe on the road and near rivers, steep slopes

Heavy rain, ground saturation and high streamflows bring increased risk for unstable banks, river erosion, submerged roads, swift water hazards, flooding and landslides. Stay clear of the banks of swift-running rivers and never drive across flooded roads, bridges or river crossings.With more rain in the forecast, people should be aware that highways could close at any time if conditions change. For current road conditions and closures, check: https://www.drivebc.ca/

Have at least a half tank of gas or charge, and a vehicle emergency kit if you need to travel.

Be aware of changes that could signal a debris flow. To report suspected landslide indicators, call the 24-hour toll-free number at 1-800-663-3456 or call your local fire, police or public works department. If lives are in danger, call 911.

Stay out of avalanche terrain

Avalanche Canada is advising backcountry users to stay out of avalanche terrain this week, based on increasing hazards from the atmospheric rivers bringing warmer temperatures, extreme winds and heavy precipitation. Learn more about warnings in place in your area: https://avalanche.ca/map

Be prepared

Evacuation orders due to flooding or landslide risk can be issued on short notice. People throughout B.C. are strongly encouraged to create a household emergency kit and grab-and-go bag for each member of their household, including pets.

A grab-and-go bag is a small emergency kit that is easy to take with you if you are asked to evacuate. It should include all the essentials you need for at least three days, including water, food, medications, seasonal clothing and important documents, such as insurance information.

Household emergency kits should include supplies you need if you are asked to shelter in place or if there is a power outage. To learn more about what to pack in a grab-and-go bag and household emergency kit, visit: https://www.PreparedBC.ca/EmergencyKit

Protect your home from possible flooding of low-lying areas by moving equipment and other property from these areas to higher ground, where possible. Clear perimeter drains and gutters.

Evacuation alerts

If you are placed on evacuation alert, be prepared to leave your home on short notice. Have your grab-and-go bag ready and regularly check your local government or First Nations website for emergency updates.

Emergency information, including evacuation alerts, evacuation orders and recommended actions to take, are available: https://www.emergencyinfobc.gov.bc.ca/ 
on X (formerly Twitter) at @EmergencyInfoBC
or on Facebook. These resources are updated 24/7.

Evacuation orders, emergency supports

If your local government or First Nation issues an evacuation order, you must leave the area immediately. Follow all directions from officials and evacuate using the route(s) they have identified.

Emergency Support Services (ESS) can support evacuees who need help with temporary accommodation, food, incidentals and clothing. Information on how to receive Emergency Support Services will be available in the evacuation order.

Additionally, so they can access supports when they need it most, people can register for ESS online: https://ess.gov.bc.ca/ 

Quick Facts:

• A high streamflow advisory means that river levels are rising or expected to rise rapidly, but no major flooding is expected.
  • Fast-flowing bodies of water increase risks to life.
  • Minor flooding in low-lying areas is possible.
• A flood watch means river levels are rising and will approach or may exceed river banks.
  • Flooding of areas adjacent to affected rivers may occur.
• A flood warning means river levels are higher than the river bank or will become higher than the bank in a short time, and flooding will result.

Learn More:

• Flood-risk information and active evacuation alerts and orders can be found at @EmergencyInfoBC on X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook, or by visiting:
  https://www.emergencyinfobc.gov.bc.ca/
• For more information about flood warnings and high streamflow advisories, visit:
  https://bcrfc.env.gov.bc.ca/warnings/index.htm
• For more information about flood preparedness, visit:
  https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/emergency-management/preparedbc/know-your-hazards/floods
• To pre-register with Emergency Support Services, visit: https://ess.gov.bc.ca/
• To create a household emergency plan, visit: https://preparedbc.ca/EmergencyReady
• For more information about avalanche safety and warnings: https://avalanche.ca/