Considerable rainfall is expected to focus on the Oceanside region this weekend, with upwards of 80 millimetres expected over the next three days. (Dreamstime)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

HERE COMES THE RAIN

‘A long episode of rain:’ rainfall warning issued for Oceanside

Mar 7, 2025 | 9:09 AM

PARKSVILLE — After a recent run of relatively pleasant weather, Mother Nature is preparing to point a fire hose right at Oceanside.

Environment Canada issued a rainfall warning on Friday, March 7, for areas between Nanoose Bay and Union Bay on eastern Vancouver Island, including Parksville and Qualicum Beach.

The advisory notes nearly 80 millimetres of rain is expected to come in the next few days.

“An atmospheric river will bring periods of heavy rain to parts of southwest B.C. this weekend. Periods of rain will start [Friday] evening and become at times heavy overnight. The rain will taper off Sunday afternoon as the atmospheric river pushes southeastward and weakens.”

A similar warning was issued for all of western Vancouver Island, with rainfall totals expected to be between 80 and 120 millimetres for the area.

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Nanaimo was excluded from the warning, however rain and wind are expected to hit the area throughout the weekend, just not to the same volumes as Oceanside.

“Heavy downpours can cause flash floods and water pooling on roads,” Environment Canada noted in their warning. “Localized flooding in low-lying areas is possible. If visibility is reduced while driving, turn on your lights and maintain a safe following distance.”

It’s the first notable storm for the region in March and the first since just over 70 millimetres of rain fell across four days in late February.

Conditions are expected to remain unstable into mid-next week with showers in the long term forecast.

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