After a severe weather warning reported for the east coast, experts say the west coast will also be vulnerable to the upcoming wet and cold temperatures as a result of the British Columbia flooding.
On Tuesday, Environment Canada experts reported that southwest Newfoundland was expected to have 60 to 170 millimeters of rain with winds of 60 to 110 km / h.
Lead climatologist David Philips says that November is the wettest month for both coasts, so it’s no wonder these regions experience continued rainfall. However, he says it is important to take into account the rain capacity that has accumulated in such a short time, especially within British Columbia.
“The sad thing is that we are in the rainy season on the west coast … normally by the end of November it has only had 40 percent of its rainy season. December, January, February and March still have to go through, ”said Philips.
How much rain is expected to fall on both coasts?
Up to this point, says Philips, Channel-Port aux Basques, NL, saw 68 millimeters of rain on Tuesday. Today, meteorologists were calling for 60 to 80 millimeters of rain on flat land near the coast, but in more remote terrain areas, they expect 120 millimeters. By tomorrow, Philips says southwest Newfoundland will have reached a total storm of more than 200 millimeters.
As for the west coast, Philips says there will be a parade of atmospheric rivers on the southern coast of British Columbia. Although these rivers will not last as long as a few weeks ago, certain areas that were affected by the flood will be more affected by this storm due to their already vulnerable status.
“60 millimeters of rain today has more impact than 60 millimeters of rain three weeks ago, when the soil is already saturated,” said Philips.
Vancouver Island is expected to have between 100 and 150 millimeters of rain with winds of between 90 and 110 km / h.
What is an atmospheric river?
According to Philips, an atmospheric river, also known as a Pineapple Express storm, is a large stream of water vapor. Atmospheric rivers typically come from the subtropics, where there are warm waters in places like the Caribbean and, in this case, Canada’s Atlantic.
Philips says these waters are full of moisture, and when a large amount of moisture hits the shoreline, land, and mountains, it can result in days, weeks, or even months of rain.
How long will the storm last?
In Atlantic Canada, Philips says the rain started Monday night and lasted through Tuesday night, with the storm dying off on Cape Breton Island, NS.
As for Channel-Port aux Basques, Environment Canada says there will be up to 110km / h of southeastern winds overnight that will ease on Thursday morning.
Has one storm caused the other?
“There is nothing in British Columbia that is affecting Newfoundland and there is nothing in Newfoundland and Labrador that is affecting British Columbia, everyone has their own misery outside the window,” Philips said.
What security measures can we take?
Environment Canada cautions that if visibility is reduced while driving, slow down, watch for your taillights, and be prepared to stop. Rapidly moving water across a highway can wash away a vehicle, so abandon your car if it is stagnant and the waters are rising rapidly.
Stay away from washes near rivers, streams, and sewers. Those in low areas or valleys should be prepared to move to higher ground before the water rises rapidly. And be prepared if you need to evacuate your residence for an extended period.
Reference-www.thestar.com