Weather warning alert system improved, says premier

This weekend’s atmospheric river is being compared to the first one back in 2021, but there is one major difference, according to Premier David Eby.

Eby says improvements have been made to the warning process, with an updated approach and an increased number of alerts from Environment Canada to British Columbians.

“The work has resulted in a shift in terms of how warnings are distributed and when British Columbians are given that important notice,” he said. “(The work) includes preparation for disasters, not just the warning, making sure that we are prioritizing those key areas like dykes.”

While Eby says Environment Canada has improved notifications, there still isn’t a weather ranking system like the province promised in 2021.

The November 2021 atmospheric river caused widespread damage — especially in the Fraser Valley — and hit without people being warned of the gravity of the situation. The record-breaking floods washed away bridges, swamped farmland, and spurred landslides that killed five people.

Environment Canada issued a special weather statement for Metro Vancouver and surrounding areas Saturday morning, saying incoming storms will increase the potential for flooding, water pooling on roads, power outages, and possible landslides.

The statement applies to Metro Vancouver, the Sunshine Coast, and parts of Vancouver Island.

Environment Canada meteorologist Armel Castellan says residents should expect “long duration” rainfall events Saturday and Sunday. Castellan says although it won’t be as bad as in 2021, people still need to stay away from fast-moving rivers this time.

With files from The Canadian Press.