Snow, wind and rain warnings blanket parts of B.C. as atmospheric river approaches

Environment Canada issued a host of weather warnings for much of British Columbia over the weekend, forecasting a wet, cold and windy beginning to the week as an atmospheric river approached the coast.

The weather agency said the atmospheric river was expected to bring up to 150 millimetres of rain by Wednesday to some parts of the province, with wind and snowfall further north up the coast. 

The forecaster said in its warnings that Metro Vancouver, the Sunshine Coast, Howe Sound and elsewhere are in for prolonged heavy rain that could mix with snow in some areas, swelling rivers and causing potential flooding. 

Environment Canada’s yellow warnings said the weather system could cause extensive pooling on roads, and increase risks of landslides in areas with unstable slopes, such as lands scarred by past wildfires.  

The warnings said much of the province’s central coast and parts of Vancouver Island will also be in for “blustery” winds with gusts of up to 110 km/h into Monday night, with snow levels predicted to rise and fall sharply as the system progresses. 

A winter storm warning for B.C.’s north coast, covering Kitimat to Terrace, said the region could see up to 30 centimetres of snow before turning into rain, with up to 80 millimetres falling after the period of flurries. 

The warning said power outages are likely, with possible property damage.

The B.C. River Forecast Centre issued high stream flow advisories on Friday in advance of the weather event covering Vancouver Island and the north, south and central coast. 

This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 15, 2026.