Two powerful storms moving across B.C. this weekend

There are two powerful storms making it’s way across B.C. this weekend and wind warnings are in place for much of the coast and Vancouver Island.

Global BC’s Sonia Beeksma said the first storm is already digging into the North Coast with heavy rain and strong winds.

This same system will spread over the Central and South Coast later on Saturday and and residents can expect winds from 60-80 km/h and 70-100 km/h overnight.

Wind warnings have been issued for Haida Gwaii, the Central Coast, all of Vancouver Island and Metro Vancouver.

The hardest hit areas will be the west coast of Vancouver Island and the southern tip of the island near Victoria.

Western sections such as Richmond, Tsawwassen, and White Rock will also be hardest hit on the mainland.

For residents in the Fraser Valley, including Chilliwack, winds might get up to 100 km/h late Saturday afternoon, with westerly winds from 60 to 80 km/h forming behind that system.

Environment Canada said lower speed west winds may cause as much or more damage than higher speed southeast winds.

BC Ferries cancelled their sailings between Texada, Comox and Saltery Bay on Saturday due to severe weather. There could be more cancellations to come.

Sunday will be a repeat of Saturday as another system is on deck, perhaps even stronger. Environment Canada said as a result it is likely that the wind warnings will be continued into Sunday for the South Coast regions as this second storm is expected to generate very strong winds Sunday afternoon.