Residents in Port Alberni, British Columbia, should prepare for several days of rain and gusty winds starting the evening of March 3, 2026. According to Environment Canada, the area will see periods of rain and southwest winds of 20 kilometres per hour, with gusts reaching up to 40 kilometres per hour.
The rainy weather may affect travel on Highway 4, particularly near the Cameron Lake Bluffs. Safety rules for the highway state that the road must close and work crews must leave the area if 10 millimetres of rain falls within a 12-hour period.
Travelers are reminded by Discover Ucluelet that winter tires or mud and snow tires are still legally required on Highway 4 until March 31, 2026. This requirement is in place for high-elevation areas like the Port Alberni Summit and Sutton Pass to help drivers handle slippery conditions.
Daytime temperatures are expected to reach between 10 and 12 degrees Celsius, which is slightly warmer than the usual early March average of 9 degrees. This warmth and rain will increase water runoff into local river systems, though peak water levels in the Somass River often occur a few days after the heaviest rainfall.
The gusty winds could also create choppy water for small boats in the Alberni Inlet. Residents are encouraged to secure any loose outdoor items and allow for extra travel time during the wet and windy conditions expected to last through the weekend.
