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Weather alert warns of Fraser Valley flash flooding risk

Environment Canada issues special weather statement as 80 to 120 millimetres of rain expected over the weekend.
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Environment Canada has issued a weather alert that warns of the danger of flash floods in the Fraser Valley over the weekend.

The alert states that a change in weather patterns will see two jet streams merge "into a single river of sub-tropical moisture that will bathe the South Coast with the first significant rainfall in months."

Models indicate that between 80 and 120 millimetres of rain could fall over the South Coast between Friday evening and Monday morning.

That could cause issues, in part because of the long dry stretch the region has seen in recent months.

"Due to the drought conditions over these regions, the soil has a reduced capacity to absorb water. Heavy rainfall thus increases the risk of flash flooding. Additionally, given the recent prolonged dry period, road surfaces may become slippery resulting in poor driving conditions."

In the event of heavy rain, Environment Canada release advises residents to "avoid roadway underpasses, drainage ditches, low lying areas and water collection areas. They can unexpectedly flood or overflow. Do not try to drive across a flooded road. You cannot tell the condition of the road under the water."