A series of major storms is expected to hit the South Coast over the next several days and residents should brace for heavy rain and strong winds.
Global BC meteorologist Kate Gajdosik says “the next storm in a series of strong frontal systems is closing in and expected to hit late tonight and into the early morning hours of Saturday.”
“These will be relatively fast-moving storms and they’re forecast to bring strong winds and periods of very heavy rain. Rainfall rates could as high as 40-80 mm a day and as we always see with systems moving in off the Pacific ocean, western Vancouver Island, Howe Sound, and the North Shore mountains will be the target for the heaviest precipitation.”
“Coupled with the rain will be the wind. Warnings have been issued for the B.C. coast from Haida Gwaii to Vancouver Island where we are expecting southeasterly wind 70 to 80 km/h but as strong as 110 km/h for the North Coast,” adds Gajdosik. “The winds will increase late Friday evening and intensify through the overnight.”
“As always, power outages will be a reality for some communities and while BC Hydro is standing by to restore service, plan to have fresh batteries in your flashlights and your cellular devices fully charged,” Gajdosik continues.
“I see the rain easing for a short time on Sunday but into the afternoon the next strong storm muscles its way onshore bringing the next round of wet and windy weather. These conditions will persist through Monday with yet another very powerful frontal system rolling in on Tuesday.”
The hardest hit areas will be:
- Vancouver Island
- Fraser Valley
- Greater Victoria
- Howe Sound
- Metro Vancouver
- Southern Gulf Islands
- Sunshine Coast
- Whistler
READ MORE: ‘It’s a Christmas miracle’: Woman called away moments before tree falls on her car
BC Hydro crews are on alert for power outages and will have crews ready. You are advised to monitor their Twitter account for the latest updates.
They have also provided some tips on how to prepare for and stay safe during an outage.
READ MORE: What you need to know about food storage during a power outage
Some areas are still cleaning up after Thursday’s windstorm.
Comments