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Atmospheric river on its way to Metro Vancouver, flash floods possible

Out with the cold, in with the rain 🌧
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Environment Canada has warned Metro Vancouver and much of the Lower Mainland against an incoming atmospheric river expected to bring up to 100 mm of rain.

Metro Vancouver is in for its first atmospheric river of 2022.

Metro Vancouver and much of the Lower Mainland will soon be subjected to a strong southwest flow that will result in an atmospheric river inside a series of systems, Environment Canada wrote in its Jan. 11 warning. Heavy rain will develop early in the afternoon is expected to continue until Wednesday afternoon.

Rainfall amounts are predicted at 75 to 100 mm with possibly more falling over the Coast Mountains. Other hazards include high stream flows and localized flooding brought on by rising freezing levels and melting snow.

"Snow levels will rise from 1500 to 2000 metres Tuesday and then further to 2500 metres on Wednesday," the federal forecaster's warning reads. "Snowmelt over higher elevations as freezing levels climb will contribute to runoff which may result in high stream levels and localized flooding."

Environment Canada also warned residents to not approach washouts near rivers, creeks and culverts.