Heavy precipitation batters B.C. interior and southern Alberta

A low-pressure centre coming up from the U.S. will bring prolonged rainfall in B.C.’s interior and southern Alberta, with snow expected through Kootenay Pass.

Environment Canada officials predict the weather system to linger in B.C. until Tuesday, but Alberta will have to deal with heavy rain for an extra day.

In the Elk Valley, Environment Canada has issued a rainfall warning, which may be heavy at times.

The forecaster predicts 50 to 80 millimetres of rain is expected early in the week before tapering off to light showers by Tuesday night.

Officials with the weather agency said the Fernie area can expect the heaviest rainfall.

In the rest of the East Kootenay, a special weather statement is in place, with 30 to 50 millimetres of rain expected by Tuesday afternoon before easing off to periods of light rain by Tuesday afternoon.

That same special weather statement is in place for the West Kootenay and Boundary area.

The weather statements and warnings come as the Regional District of East Kootenay has placed the entire region on a flood watch.

More: Flood watch issued in East Kootenay (June 13, 2022)

Meanwhile, Highway 3 from Paulson Summit to Kootenay Pass is under a snowfall warning, as the rain is expected to change to wet snow overnight and then back into rain by Tuesday morning.

Environment Canada officials said 10 to 15 centimetres of snow is predicted to fall on the area overnight.

To the East, a rainfall warning is in place for the Crowsnest Pass and Calgary area, along with much of the southern-central portion of Alberta.

The forecaster calls for 75 to 125 millimetres of rain to fall across the region on Monday and Tuesday, before tapering off on Wednesday.

Officials say some parts of Alberta may see up to 150 millimetres of rain.

Environment Canada officials warn that flash floods may happen from heavy downpours, and ask residents to watch out for washouts near rivers, creeks and culverts.

The forecasting agency urges drivers to use caution when travelling through heavy rain and snowfall conditions.

You can keep track of road local forecasts, weather alerts and road conditions through the link below.

More: Environment Canada weather alerts

More: Drive BC map

R McCormack
R McCormack
Born and raised in Cranbrook, they graduated from Lethbridge College in 2019. They came back for a practicum position with 2dayFM in Cranbrook, resulting in a job as the Saturday show host before moving into the newsroom. They have covered a wide variety of topics ranging from federal politics to local interest. Their after-hours passion lies in local history, gardening and coin collecting.

Continue Reading

cfsm Now playing play

- Advertisement -

Related Articles

- Advertisement -

Latest News

Fernie mayoral candidate Kyle Hamilton focuses on infrastructure, housing and economic growth

Fernie mayoral candidate Kyle Hamilton is campaigning on infrastructure improvements, housing availability and economic development as voters prepare to head to the polls this Saturday.

B.C. NDP pledges millions for clean energy and climate programs

The B.C. NDP is promising millions of dollars in new investments in clean energy and climate programs if re-elected, while warning a Conservative government would roll back environmental protections. 

First Nations leaders call on B.C. Conservatives to drop candidate over alleged residential school denialism

First Nations leaders are calling on the B.C. Conservatives to remove a candidate over allegations of residential school denialism.

Tie vote denies third reading for Sparwood DCC bylaw

Sparwood council was split on implementing amendments to the community's development cost charge bylaw. 

Food security charter public hearing moved to after municipal election

A public hearing for a Cranbrook OCP update regarding the creation of a Community food charter has been rescheduled to Nov. 23. 
- Advertisement -