Environment Canada is warning of possible localized flooding across parts of southeastern British Columbia as an atmospheric river brings significant rainfall and rising freezing levels.
The alert covers areas including the North Columbia, Kinbasket, West Columbia, Arrow Lakes, Kootenay Lake and the Trans-Canada Highway between Eagle Pass and Rogers Pass.
Rain is expected to intensify this evening and continue through Wednesday afternoon, with total amounts of 25 to 45 mm forecast.
The agency says the combination of rainfall and elevated freezing levels — between 2,000 and 2,500 metres — will accelerate snowmelt in higher terrain, increasing runoff into rivers and low-lying areas.
That mix of rain and melting snow raises the risk of localized flooding, particularly in valleys and areas prone to pooling water.
Conditions are expected to ease somewhat Wednesday afternoon, but Environment Canada says another round of more significant rainfall could arrive beginning Thursday and last into early Saturday.
Drivers are also being warned that rapidly changing mountain weather could create hazardous conditions, particularly along affected highway corridors.
