Possible coastal flooding for B.C.'s south coast this weekend, Environment Canada warns

Environment Canada warned high astronomical tides and an incoming low-pressure system could raise coastal water levels Sunday along B.C.'s south coast; the City of Vancouver said crews will inspect tide gates and assess a shoreline dike.

Environment Canada issued a special weather statement warning of possible coastal flooding this weekend along B.C.'s south coast, including Metro Vancouver and Greater Victoria. The agency said the region is entering a period of high astronomical tides as the Earth nears its closest point to the Sun, and an incoming low-pressure system could raise coastal water levels. It said the timing of the low is uncertain, but the highest risk is reported for Sunday. The City of Vancouver announced that crews will inspect tide gates regularly and use a drone to assess the Southlands shoreline dike. Key points: - Environment Canada issued a special weather statement about possible coastal flooding this weekend for southern B.C., including Metro Vancouver and Greater Victoria. - The agency said high astronomical tides combined with an incoming low-pressure system could produce storm surge and higher-than-normal water levels, with the highest risk reported for Sunday. - The City of Vancouver said it will conduct regular inspections of tide gates and use a drone to assess the Southlands shoreline dike. Summary: Environment Canada and the City of Vancouver report that higher-than-normal coastal water levels could cause debris, erosion and minor flooding in low-lying coastal areas, and that roads may be difficult to navigate if flooding occurs. City inspections of tide gates and a planned drone assessment are scheduled, while the exact arrival time of the low-pressure system remains uncertain.