VANCOUVER - Rainfall, wind, snow and winter storm warnings have been lifted for all of southern B.C. after a powerful system swept across the province leaving flooded or snow-clogged roads in its wake.
On Vancouver Island, torrential downpours forced flood watches or high streamflow advisories for several waterways.
The deluge also prompted a boil water advisory for all users of the Comox Valley water system, including residents of Courtenay and Comox.
The Comox Valley Regional District says in a news release that severe rainfall has caused turbidity levels at a back-up pump station to rise above acceptable thresholds, triggering the need for the boil water notice.
Environment Canada says the two-day storm dropped as much as 100 millimetres of rain on Port Alberni and parts of eastern Vancouver Island, equivalent to an entire month of rainfall, while more than 50 millimetres fell Thursday at Vancouver International Airport.
Shawnigan-Mill Bay Road flooded between Deloume Road and Cameron Taggart Road, says @MainroadSIsland. Detour via Cameron Taggart Road SB or Shawnigan Cobble Hill Road NB.
— CTV News VI (@CTVNewsVI) January 4, 2019
Traffic Note: Finlayson Arm road is closed due to flooding. Barricades are in place at the bridge off of Hwy 1 and at Mary’s Farm #yyj
— CFAX1070 (@cfax1070) January 4, 2019
Pacific Marine Road north of Port Renfrew remains closed in both directions after last night's flood. Detour remains in effect. Next update expected at noon today.
— CTV News VI (@CTVNewsVI) January 4, 2019
In the mountains, Avalanche Canada says heavy snow has created a “high” possibility of slides on south coast and Vancouver Island mountains, as well as through most of east-central and southeastern B.C., meaning very dangerous avalanche conditions exist.
An “extreme” avalanche ranking, which means natural and human-triggered avalanches are certain, remains posted for some regions along the Alberta/B.C. boundary throughout Jasper National Park and in the alpine and treeline regions of Banff, Yoho and Kootenay national parks.
Little Qualicum River at 0815hrs. Looking like the bank is visible which is good! #BCStorm @CHEK_News @CTVNewsVI @MainroadMIsland pic.twitter.com/oXNLWOg0sm
— Dashwood Fire Department (@Dashwood6) January 4, 2019