Rainfall warnings have been issued by Environment Canada for Friday, Jan. 30, coupled with high streamflow or flooding advisories issued by the BC River Forecast Centre. (Image Credit: Environment Canada)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

wet weather

Rainfall warning issued for Oceanside, Island flooding a concern

Jan 30, 2026 | 10:53 AM

NANAIMO — A steady downpour of rain over the last couple of days, coupled with more to come, is prompting some concern.

Environment Canada updated a rainfall warning for parts of eastern Vancouver Island, including Nanoose Bay, Parksville and Qualicum Beach, on Friday, Jan. 30, advising 50 to 70 millimetres of rain is expected through Friday afternoon.

Closer to 100 millimetres is expected in the Courtenay area.

“A warm front drawing in moist, subtropical air continues to produce rain, at times heavy, across East Vancouver Island today,” the warning reads. “The heavy rain will ease to showers this afternoon. Water will likely pool on roads and in low-lying areas. Visibility will likely be suddenly reduced at times.”

The advisory is coupled with similar warnings for eastern Vancouver Island pertaining to flooding of low-lying areas.

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The province’s River Forecast Centre issued the warning for Dove Creek and adjacent areas near Courtenay and is maintaining a high streamflow advisory for the rest of the island, including Haida Gwaii and B.C.’s south coast.

It said prolonged periods of moderate to heavy rain are possible, with rainfall totals possibly reaching 200 millimetres in a three-day period, which began on Wednesday.

Temperatures are expected to remain seasonally warm, and additional run-off from snowmelt is expected in areas with snow on the ground.

A separate rainfall warning is in place for the entire west coast of Vancouver Island, with between 100 and 140 millimetres of rain expected.

— with files from The Canadian Press

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