Weather alert: Metro Vancouver, Fraser Valley braces for heavy rain tonight and Tuesday

The first significant storm of the season is barrelling towards Metro Vancouver, expected to dump up to 70 millimetres of rain by Tuesday.

Environment Canada has issued a rain warning for Metro Vancouver, the Fraser Valley, including Abbotsford, and Howe Sound.

“A robust frontal system currently over the North Coast will gradually move over the Lower Mainland tonight, with heavy rain beginning this evening,” said the weather agency in the advisory issued Monday.

The system will move toward the South Coast starting Monday night, with conditions gradually easing by Tuesday afternoon. Overall, the Lower Mainland is expected to receive between 50 and 70 mm of rain.

The weather system will hit the North and Central coasts, including Kitimat, Bella Coola and inland areas earlier, starting late Monday morning and would bring about 50 mm of rain, said Environment Canada.

Heavy rain is also expected to start late Monday morning on west Vancouver Island and last until Tuesday morning, with up to 100 mm of rain and gusty westerly winds.

Yellow rainfall warnings are in effect for the regions. The yellow warning is the lowest of three colour-coded weather alerts, indicating hazardous weather than may cause damage or disruption.

Environment Canada said water will likely pool on road and low-lying areas and could cause traffic delays during rush-hour traffic. It also advised people to watch out for washouts near rivers and creeks.

After the soggy spell, the Lower Mainland will be rewarded with sun and dry weather starting Wednesday into the weekend.

chchan@postmedia.com