Environment Canada has issued wind warnings for Greater Victoria and north Vancouver Island and rainfall warnings for east and west Vancouver Island.
Only inland Vancouver Island is not under a warning.
For Greater Victoria, the wind warning is in effect starting Wednesday night with east and southeast winds of 70 km/h gusting to 90.
“An approaching frontal system will stall west of Vancouver Island today,” Environment Canada said in a notice on its website. “Damage to buildings, such as to roof shingles and windows, may occur. High winds may result in power outages and fallen tree branches.”
North Vancouver Island is expected to get southeast winds of up to 90 km/h with winds gradually increasing Wednesday evening and peaking late overnight into early Thursday. The winds should ease Thursday morning.
For east and west Vancouver Island, the rainfall warning is in effect starting Wednesday night into Friday.
The east Island warning is for Courtenay to Campbell River and Nanoose Bay to Fanny Bay.
For the east and west Island, total rainfall between 90 mm (nine centimetres) and 120 mm (12 cm) is expected.
“Heavy downpours can cause flash floods and water pooling on roads. If visibility is reduced while driving, turn on your lights and maintain a safe following distance,” Environment Canada says on its website. “Localized flooding in low-lying areas is possible. Watch for possible washouts near rivers, creeks and culverts.”
⚠️ RAINFALL WARNING ⚠️
Just issued for #Tofino #Ucluelet & West #VancouverIsland as well as East Island from #Nanoose to #CampbellRiver and #YVR with 60-120 mm forecast overnight to Friday. ☔️ ☔️ ☔️
More @CHEK_News #BCstorm@CHEK_media #BCwx #Weather pic.twitter.com/dB1wWwYrfi— Tess van Straaten (@tessvanstraaten) January 11, 2023
Laura Brougham
