Heavy rain warning is active for West Vancouver today and into next week

Environment Canada has a yellow rainfall warning in place for West Vancouver and the whole North Shore on November 6, 2026. The warning covers the first significant storm of the season, which arrived after midnight November 5 and is expected to bring rain through the day and into next week.

Environment Canada's forecast for West Vancouver shows rain at times heavy on Friday, with 40 to 50 mm expected today. Wind from the southeast is gusting to 50 km/h, with gusts reaching 70 km/h near the Strait of Georgia this morning and early this afternoon. At 8:29 am, the temperature was 8.7 degrees Celsius with east winds at 32 km/h gusting to 47 km/h and 100 percent humidity.

The District of West Vancouver posted a rainfall warning on its own website on November 5, adding detail from the River Forecast Centre, which issued a High Streamflow Advisory for the South Coast of British Columbia alongside the rainfall warning. North Shore News and the Squamish Chief both reported the warning, citing Environment Canada's alert for Howe Sound and the North Shore.

What the storm brings

The yellow warning level is the most common of three levels Environment Canada uses. Yellow means hazardous weather is expected that may cause some damage or disruption, with a moderate impact that is expected to be localized or short-term.

Environment Canada's alert text says: "A potent low pressure system will bring heavy rain, beginning after midnight (Nov. 5) and continue through the day on Friday. Total rainfall amounts may reach up to 80 mm for communities at higher elevations on the North Shore, and communities near southern Howe Sound. Lower elevations and communities in northeast Vancouver including Coquitlam, can expect closer to 50 mm by the time the rain tapers off Friday evening."

The alert covers all of Metro Vancouver's North Shore, including West Vancouver and North Vancouver. It applies to Howe Sound, too, meaning communities such as Horseshoe Bay and Bowen Island are included.

The alert also says visibility may be reduced at times, water will likely pool on roads and in low-lying areas, and some property damage is possible. It warns to "watch for washouts near rivers, creeks and culverts."

Environment Canada's forecast page for West Vancouver shows 3 highway alerts active as of Friday morning. Residents can check those alerts at DriveBC (drivebc.ca).

Tonight, Environment Canada forecasts periods of rain easing near midnight, then a 40 percent chance of showers after. Expected amount: 5 to 10 mm overnight. Wind from the southeast gusting to 50 km/h near the Strait of Georgia should become light by evening.

What the District asks residents to do

The District of West Vancouver lists five steps on its own warning page:

• Clear leaves from catch basins near your property so water can drain from streets
• Slow down and drive carefully, because heavy downpours can cause water to pool on roads
• Stay clear of rivers, because quickly flowing water and potentially unstable riverbanks pose a hazard
• Have an emergency plan and kit in case of a power outage
• Sign up for Alertable notifications to receive weather alerts from the District

To report flooding or fallen trees on roads and sidewalks, and for emergency service to roads, parks, water and sewer, the District's 24-hour dispatch line is 604-925-7100. For non-emergency issues, the District asks residents to submit an online service request through its website and to include a photo of the problem if possible.

Power outages

The District says that if you lose power, check the BC Hydro website for a list of reported outages. To report an outage to BC Hydro, call 1-800-224-9376. If you see a downed power line, stay at least 10 metres back (about the length of a bus) and call 9-1-1.

Ferry travel from Horseshoe Bay

BC Ferries' website shows an adverse weather travel advisory active for Friday, November 6, 2026. Travellers planning to use the Horseshoe Bay ferry terminal should check bcferries.com for the latest sailing status and any delays before they travel. During storms, BC Ferries can cancel or delay sailings when wind or wave conditions make sailing unsafe.

The week ahead

Environment Canada's forecast shows rain continuing well past today. After tonight's rain eases near midnight, Saturday brings cloudy skies, a 40 percent chance of showers in the morning and a few showers from noon onward. Winds are expected to gust to 40 km/h near the Strait of Georgia on Saturday afternoon. High of 15 degrees Saturday.

Sunday brings a 30 percent chance of showers during the day, with winds easing by evening. The low Sunday night drops to plus 4 degrees Celsius, the coolest of the week. Rain returns Monday evening, and Environment Canada forecasts rain through Tuesday, Wednesday and into the following week. Temperatures stay close to 10 degrees Celsius each day through the forecast period.

North Shore News, citing Environment Canada, calls this "the first storm in a series of wet and windy weather ahead."

What to do now

Residents can clear fallen leaves from the catch basin nearest their property before the heaviest rain of the day arrives. The District of West Vancouver's 24-hour dispatch line at 604-925-7100 handles calls about flooding and fallen trees on public roads and sidewalks. Residents can sign up for Alertable emergency notifications from the District at westvancouver.ca.