Skip to content

'Not over yet':Squamish pelted by storm, but less impacted than other regions

As of 4 p.m. on Oct. 19, since the start of the atmospheric river, Squamish Airport has seen 105 millimetres of rain.

Squamish meteorologist Jason Ross says the "steady conveyor belt" of heavy rainfall isn't over yet.

As some folks headed out to vote this election day in Squamish, they were pelted by steady rain.

Puddles have formed on most roads, and the rivers are visibly higher.

As of 4 p.m. on Oct. 19, since the start of the atmospheric river, Squamish Airport has seen 105 millimetres of rain, Whistler's Nesters station has seen 50 mm, Pemberton Airport has seen 38 mm; the Callaghan Valley has seen 68 mm, while Pam Rocks on Howe Sound has seen 94mm.

In West Vancouver, folks have seen 156 mm.

An Environment Canada rainfall warning remains in effect for Squamish, Whistler and Metro Vancouver, as well as western and central Fraser Valley.

The River Forecast Centre is maintaining a flood watch for Squamish.

"A flood watch means that river levels are rising and will approach or may exceed bankfull. Flooding of areas adjacent to affected rivers may occur."

So far, while the rivers are definitely swollen in Squamish, the district has been relatively unscathed.

Other areas, however, have not been so lucky.

The Lower Mainland has seen widespread flooding.

Closer to home, West Vancouver Police warned residents that westbound and eastbound ramps to Highway 1 at 21st St were closed due to flooding.

"Pooling water and popped manholes [are] causing issues along Marine Drive from Taylor Way to 24th Street," read a post to X by the West Van police.

North Shore Emergency Management warned folks in North and West Vancouver to "stay out of parks, forested areas, steep slopes [plus] all waterways" during the storm.

As for what more is in store for Squamish, the Environment Canada warning says that a "second pulse of rain" is expected Sunday before it ends later that day. 

"Ensure that drains are clear of leaves and debris and secure loose objects out-of-doors," the warning notes.

push icon
Be the first to read breaking stories. Enable push notifications on your device. Disable anytime.
No thanks