Victoria is gearing up for the first major storm of the season, as heavy rains and strong winds are set to lash parts of BC this weekend.
A special weather statement has been issued, highlighting the storm’s impact across several regions, though Victoria is expected to be spared from the brunt of the storm.
The storm will bring prolonged heavy rain starting Friday afternoon and continuing into Sunday morning.
While Metro Vancouver, Fraser Valley, Howe Sound, Whistler, Sunshine Coast, and most of Vancouver Island will experience significant rain and strong winds, Victoria and the Southern Gulf Islands are notably excluded from the hardest-hit areas.
Environment Canada warned of hazards include water pooling on roads, swollen rivers and creeks, an increased risk of washouts, rockfall, and landslides, and the potential for power outages due to tree damage from strong winds.
The storm is fueled by an atmospheric river, with rainfall totals ranging from 40 to 70 mm, and up to 100 mm along the coastal mountains. In some areas of West Vancouver Island, local amounts could reach a staggering 200 mm.
Winds are expected to peak at 80 km/h along coastal areas of Vancouver Island, the Sunshine Coast, and Metro Vancouver, especially near the water, on Saturday.
Residents are urged to take precautions ahead of the storm by clearing drains of leaves and debris and securing any loose outdoor objects that could become projectiles in the high winds.
Further north, exposed coastal sections of North Vancouver Island, Haida Gwaii, and the North and Central Coasts are under a separate weather warning, with strong southeast winds reaching 90 km/h, gusting up to 110 km/h expected early Friday morning.
Winds in these regions will ease by Friday afternoon but could lead to power outages and fallen tree branches in the meantime.
As the storm intensifies, the province braces for a weekend of wet and windy weather. Stay informed by monitoring updates from Environment Canada, especially if you’re travelling through or living in affected areas.
