A number of rain, wind and snowfall warnings have been issued for parts of British Columbia tonight as a massive storm sweeps across the province.
A low pressure system is deepening and spreading rain along the coast rain will intensify tonight over the South coast as the warn front passes and the cold front sweeps through.
Metro Vancouver, Fraser Valley and Howe Sound are expected to receive 50 mm tonight while higher elevations in these regions may see more.
Strong southeast winds ahead of the low will develop over the Central Coast, north and East Vancouver Island, and Sunshine Coast this evening as the system approaches. The Central Coast and North Vancouver Island can expect winds of 80 to 100 km/h while East Vancouver Island and Sunshine Coast expect winds of 60 to 80 km/h. The winds will ease during the overnight hours as they shift to gusty southwest winds.
Behind the strong frontal system tonight, another low is forecast to cross the British Columbia South Coast late Saturday. In the wake of the low strong northwesterly winds are forecast to develop in a cool and unstable airmass. Areas of West Vancouver Island Greater Victoria and Metro Vancouver exposed to west or northwest winds will be most affected with sustained winds of 60 to 80 km/h and gusts to 90 to 100 developing late in the afternoon Saturday.
Heavy snow will fall tonight over the mountains above 1,000 metres.
As this front passes on Saturday morning, heavy rain will taper to a few showers, with gusty winds from the south generating very mild air.
Then a strong pulse of westerly wind will hammer the South Coast Saturday afternoon or evening, with the gusts in the Vancouver area likely to reach 90-100 km/hr by Saturday afternoon.
20 to 30 cm of snow will hit the Coquihalla Summit tonight with an additional 20 cm tomorrow morning.
At least 15 cm of snow will fall in Whistler with this storm.
Parks Canada has also issued a storm event advisory, warning the public to use extra caution on beaches, shorelines and ocean waters in and around Pacific Rim National Park Reserve from Saturday, Jan. 11 through Monday, Jan. 13.
During this time period, storm-force winds are expected to reach up to 90 kilometres per hour and large waves are forecast at up to 10 meters in height, according to Environment Canada. These conditions could result in flooded beaches, floating logs, large waves breaking high up on shore and extremely hazardous surf conditions. The most dangerous period of the day is likely to be at high tide.
If visitors wish to view the storm they are advised to do so from:
- Kwisitis Visitor Centre’s Observation Deck at Wickaninnish Beach
- Florencia Bay Lookout
Depending of the severity of the storm, select beach parking lots and beach areas in Pacific Rim National Park Reserve may be temporarily closed to protect public safety. Until that time, all areas of Pacific Rim National Park Reserve remain open.
Keep up to date with our SkyTracker weather.
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