As a powerful storm sweeps across B.C.’s South Coast, drivers are being warned that highways could become flooded and forced to close with little-to-no notice. The Transportation Ministry issued an advisory Tuesday, saying heavy rainfall and strong winds are expected to impact road conditions through the rest of the week. “Drivers are advised to monitor conditions and expect possible areas of pooling water on roadways, fallen debris and the potential for short-notice road closures,” the advisory said. On the mainland, Highway 1 through the Fraser Valley and Fraser Canyon and Highway 99 through the Sea to Sky corridor and Pemberton Valley are most likely to be affected. On Vancouver Island, the Malahat and routes in communities on the western coast are most likely to see impacts, according to the ministry. Provincial crews will be increasing patrols and clearing debris, the advisory added. Orange rainfall warnings are in effect in west and central Vancouver Island, Howe Sound and the Sea-to-Sky regions, meaning the “severe” storms were likely to cause significant damage and disruption. The agency said parts of Vancouver Island could see more than 250 millimetres of rain, while Howe Sound and the Sea to Sky regions could see upwards of 160 millimetres. Parts of Metro Vancouver could receive up to 160 millimetres. Flood watches are in effect for much of Vancouver Island and the South Coast, with the worst weather expected to last into Wednesday before tapering off Thursday. With files from The Canadian Press
