Another “significant” windstorm packing winds of up to 90 km/h is heading for B.C.’s South Coast, including Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley.
A wind warning is in effect for areas including Metro Vancouver, Howe Sound, the Sunshine Coast, the Fraser Valley, East Vancouver Island and the Southern Gulf Islands.
Global News meteorologist Mark Madryga said the storm will hit on Thursday morning.
“The next low-pressure centre still well out in the Pacific is taking aim at the B.C. South Coast,” Madryga said Wednesday.
“The exact track of the low as it moves through the South Coast tomorrow is the key here as to how strong the winds get in Metro Vancouver. The forecast right now calling for winds gusting to 60 km/h through the day tomorrow for Metro Vancouver, looks reasonable. There is a good chance though those winds could get even higher, along with some heavy rain at times.”
Madryga notes that heavy rain is likely in many areas of the south coast.
“The air will be very mild Thursday with high temperatures approaching records for the date,” he said.
An Environment Canada special weather statement remains in effect for Metro Vancouver, while a rainfall warning has been issued for the eastern Fraser Valley.
Eastern reaches of the valley are forecast to see more than 50 millimetres of rain over a 24 hour period into Thursday.
An Environment Canada alert issued Wednesday night indicated that strong winds that could cause damage are “expected or occurring.”
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Winds blowing at anywhere between 50 and 80 km/h are expected to begin Thursday morning over the South Coast, the agency said.
They’re expected to switch to speeds of between 70 and 90 km/h on Thursday afternoon and bring possibly higher gusts.
The wind is projected to ease off at nighttime and shift to west to northwest.
“Weather models all show that this will be a significant storm,” Environment Canada said.
“The powerful, gusty southwest winds that develop Thursday afternoon as the low crosses into the Interior pose the greatest risk for damage in most communities.”
People could see damage to buildings, in areas such as roofs and windows.
The winds could also help break tree branches and send loose objects flying.
BC Ferries is warning passengers that need to travel on Thursday that cancellations are possible if there are severe winds.
Anyone making use of the ferry system is being advised to check the BC Ferries website before heading to the terminal.
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