A BC storm is on the way and Environment Canada has issued a handful of new wind and rain warnings that blanket a large portion of Vancouver Island.
Earlier on Monday, the weather agency outlined that a Pacific frontal system would bring very strong winds – clocking up to 110 km/h – to exposed areas of North Vancouver Island.
These winds were expected to hit early Tuesday morning, subsiding by tomorrow afternoon.
Now, Environment Canada has issued further warnings of both wind and rain for other regions of the Island.
On the west coast of Vancouver Island, Environment Canada says heavy rain will begin Tuesday morning. Total rainfall amounts are expected in excess of 100 mm by Tuesday evening. The heaviest rainfall rates are expected through the afternoon and early evening, notes the agency.
With the rain, southeast winds of 80 to 100 km/h are also expected in the area.
Over on the east coast, strong southeasterly winds of 70 to 90 km/h are expected Tuesday as well.
An approaching frontal system will spread very strong winds to Duncan, Nanaimo, Nanoose Bay, Fanny Bay, Courtenay, Campbell River and the Sunshine Coast. Environment Canada says these winds will rise late Tuesday morning and persist into Tuesday evening.
“The strongest winds are expected over exposed coastal sections near the Strait of Georgia, Haro Strait, and the Southern Gulf Islands,” said Environment Canada.
In Greater Victoria and on the southern Gulf Islands, winds between 70 and 90 km/h are also expected Tuesday morning, persisting into the evening.
Environment Canada is cautioning that these winds may toss loose objects or cause tree branches to break.
With adverse weather along the Strait of Georgia, there is also a chance that BC Ferries cancels some sailings. Travellers can monitor the status of each route on the ferry company’s website.
Power situations can be monitored as well on BC Hydro’s Outage Map.
Graham Cox
