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High streamflow advisory in effect across the Island

River Forecast Centre issues advisory as Pacific storms batter the coast
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The Somass River is swollen by rain in this November 2017 file photo. The River Forecast Centre has issued a high streamflow advisory for rivers across Vancouver Island.

A high streamflow advisory remains in effect as stormy weather causes rivers to swell across the Island.

The advisory was issued by the provincial River Forecast Centre on Wednesday and again on Thursday afternoon.

On eastern Vancouver Island, it applies to tributaries around Campbell River, Courtenay, Parksville, Nanaimo and surrounding areas.

On the South Island, it includes the Chemainus and Cowichan rivers and surrounding tributaries.

On the western part of the Island, it applies to tributaries around Gold River, Zeballos, Tofino and surrounding areas.

On central Vancouver Island, the advisory applies to the Sproat and Somass Rivers and areas surrounding Port Alberni.

The advisory also applies to parts of the south coast on the mainland.

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The River Forecast Centre said on Thursday afternoon that a Pacific storm had delivered 50-130 mm over a 24-hour period in parts of B.C., along with significant snowfall on higher terrain.

A series of powerful storms is expected to ease up overnight, but another storm system is in the forecast later on Friday. More storms are expected on the weekend and into the coming week.

The River Forecast Centre said its advisory will be updated as warranted by conditions.

High streamflow advisories indicate that river levels are on the rise or expected to rise rapidly. They don’t indicate that major flooding is expected, but minor flooding in low-lying areas may occur.

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