Advertisement

Power outages expected as major Pacific storm roars across B.C.

Click to play video: 'Another storm takes aim at British Columbia'
Another storm takes aim at British Columbia
Meteorologist Mark Madryga has an update on the wind storm that is expected to hit B.C.'s coast on Tuesday – Jan 5, 2021

Power outages and downed trees are expected Tuesday as another major Pacific storm batters the province.

Damaging winds are expected to affect the B.C. coast all day, meteorologist Mark Madryga said, with peak winds in Metro Vancouver to hit mid-afternoon through Tuesday evening.

Those winds will be accompanied by heavy rain, especially near the mountains, Madryga added.

The storm has already pounded the North Coast and Haida Gwaii Tuesday morning with wind gusts up to 120 km/h.

Peak wind gusts Tuesday morning. Credit: Global SkyTracker.

Environment Canada has issued a wind warning for the Central Coast, Vancouver Island, Greater Victoria, Howe Sound, Metro Vancouver, the North Coast, the Southern Gulf Islands and the Sunshine Coast.

Story continues below advertisement

The agency said damage to buildings, such as roof shingles and windows, may occur. The high winds may also toss objects or cause tree branches to break.

For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen.

Get breaking National news

For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen.
By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

The wind warning already prompted BC Ferries to cancel most of its sailings on Tuesday.

Click to play video: 'Avalanche Canada warns of danger in several parts of B.C. ahead of weekend'
Avalanche Canada warns of danger in several parts of B.C. ahead of weekend

BC Hydro crews are on standby to respond to outages.

As of 3 p.m. Tuesday, about 22,000 customers were without power, most of them on Vancouver Island.

Whistler and the Sea to Sky Highway region are also under a snowfall warning with between 15 and 20 centimetres expected to fall Tuesday afternoon and evening.

Story continues below advertisement

Environment Canada said warm air moving into the region Tuesday night may lead to snow becoming mixed with rain overnight.

Sponsored content

AdChoices