British ColumbiaAn atmospheric river headed for B.C.’s South Coast will bring significant rainfall to parts of the Lower Mainland. It’s prompting Environment and Climate Change Canada to issue an orange warning, under its new colour-coded warning system, for parts of the Fraser Valley.Orange warning issued under new Environment Canada colour-coded weather warning systemNick Logan · CBC News · Posted: Dec 09, 2025 4:30 PM EST | Last Updated: 2 hours agoListen to this articleEstimated 3 minutesThe audio version of this article is generated by text-to-speech, a technology based on artificial intelligence.Environment Canada has issued an orange warning for the Fraser Valley and areas extending inland as an atmospheric river is expected to bring heavy rain to southwestern B.C. through Wednesday evening. (Environment and Climate Change Canada)An atmospheric river headed toward the B.C.’s South Coast will bring significant rainfall to parts of the Lower Mainland. The storm has prompted Environment and Climate Change Canada to issue an orange warning, under its new colour-coded warning system, for parts of the Fraser Valley. People living in the central and eastern Fraser Valley — including Chilliwack, Hope, and western sections of Highway 3 from Hope to Princeton — can expect rainfall amounts between 70 to 100 millimetres between Tuesday night and Wednesday evening. “Warm air with the system will cause freezing levels to rise and snowmelt combined with the already saturated ground and heavy rain, will likely result in high streamflows and localized flooding,” the warning reads. Metro Vancouver and the western portion of the Fraser Valley, and much of the west coast of Vancouver Island, are under a yellow warning, with forecasters predicting between 50 to 80 mm of rain to fall in those areas. Drivers are warned that visibility may be poor at times and that water may pool on roads and in low-lying areas. What does an orange warning mean? Environment Canada updated its weather warning system last month with a risk-tiered colour-coded system that aims to offer a clearer picture of the weather’s impact — and indicate how the public should prepare.The alert level will be based on an assessment of both the potential impacts of the weather event and also the forecast confidence. The changes align with recommendations from the World Meteorological Organization and follow updates already implemented by 31 weather agencies across Europe. (Environment and Climate Change Canada)The most common alert is yellow, which indicates hazardous weather that could cause moderate or localized effects — such as damage, service disruptions and/or health impacts — in the short term.Orange alerts are uncommon but are issued when forecasters have high confidence that severe weather is likely to cause significant damage, disruption or health impacts that are widespread and could last for a few days.Red alerts are rare but will be issued when very dangerous and possibly life-threatening weather is forecast and expected to cause extreme damage and prolonged disruption. WATCH | Here’s how to understand the new colour-coded weather warning system:How Environment Canada’s new weather warning system worksStarting today, Environment and Climate Change Canada has changed the way it classifies its weather warnings. CBC Meteorologist Ryan Snoddon explains it’s all about risk and impact. Environment Minister Julie Dabrusin said in a statement last month that the new system aims to make it easier for Canadians to get clear and accurate alerts as the country experiences “more frequent and extreme weather.” “By improving how severe weather is reported, we are helping Canadians better understand and prepare for potential impacts, so they can make informed decisions about how and when to protect themselves, their loved ones, and their property,” she said.ABOUT THE AUTHORNick Logan is a senior writer with CBC based in Vancouver. He is a multi-platform reporter and producer, with a particular focus on international news. You can reach out to him at nick.logan@cbc.ca.
Atmospheric river to bring heavy rain to B.C.’s South Coast, orange warning issued for Fraser Valley
