Strong rain today – Thunderstorms north and east.

The radar fills – East Coast Statement

Environment Canada has already posted a Special Weather Statement for the East Coast warning of up to 50mm of rain with thunderstorms. (I am surprised this isn’t a rainfall warning or severe thunderstorm watch).

The radar is already starting to fill in on the north Island.

Expect rain to move down the Island this morning. It should start to rain in Port Alberni near noon. Showers will continue off and on through tonight. However the strongest rainfall will be in the Nanaimo to Duncan area. We can see it on the 24hr totals. The purple areas are over 30mm.

Considering that this is the UWash model it might not capture the potential for sudden downpours that EC sees as a possibility but I think the general area of heaviest rainfall is likely correct. This model picture is probably then an underestimate.

Here is the EC statement, it may be updated:

East Vancouver Island – Nanoose Bay to Campbell River When: Today through tonight. Amount: 30 to 50 mm. Remarks: A trough of low pressure will bring rain and thunderstorms to northern and central East Vancouver Island today. Rain at times heavy will begin this morning and end overnight.

Thunderstorms start after noon

The UWash Model for thunderstorm activity goes fairly bonkers in the 2-5PM period. The red area is the best potential for lighting.

Waterspout Watch on South Coast Marine (Georgia Strait and West Coast – South)

A rare waterspout watch has been issued for the waters off the west coast. As we saw recently with the luxury yacht sunk off the coast of Sicily by a Waterspout, these water tornadoes can be very dangerous.

Today is not a good day for fishing!

Where: Strait of Georgia, West Coast Vancouver Island South, Explorer – southeastern half

Remarks:
As a trough of low pressure tracks across Vancouver Island today, conditions remain favourable for the potential development of waterspouts.

Wind speeds inside the spray ring of a waterspout are 45 knots or higher. Vulnerable vessels are at risk of damage or capsizing. Mariners are urged to take all necessary precautions and prepare for the possibility of waterspout activity. Postpone voyage or seek safe harbour if possible.

Still back to sun Friday.

All of this excite,ent should blow over by Thursday morning and leave us cloudy and we should see the sun again on Friday! It looks like we might not warm up again until the long weekend.

Stay safe out there! I may have a podcast later today if things really get dicey.

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