Heavy rain, gusty winds forecast for Easter weekend in the Fraser Valley

CHILLIWACK — Environment Canada reports that several regions in British Columbia, including the Fraser Valley, should brace for high winds and heavy rainfall this Easter weekend, warning of possible flooding and power outages as a pair of weather systems flow towards the South Coast.

Environment Canada says total rainfall amounts will range from 20 to 50 mm except near 80 mm for Western and Inland Vancouver Island. Rising freezing levels with melting snow will give rise to increased river flows and possible localized flooding. A strong southwest flow will direct two systems towards the south coast over the Easter long weekend. Periods of rain associated with the first system will likely ease somewhat later today and then become heavy tonight and continue through most of Sunday as the second system arrives.

Environment Canada says wind becoming southwest 30 km/h could gust to 50 km/h late in the afternoon on Sunday in Chilliwack.

Though conditions are expected to ease in most locations as of Easter Sunday, the forecast calls for heavy rain to persist in some parts of the province throughout the day.