This weekend, Environment Canada and the Weather Network put out the warning that a ‘bomb cyclone’ will be hitting BC’s coast in the afternoon of Tuesday, November 19th, with impacts of the storm predicted to last through until Wednesday.
A bomb cyclone is also known as bombogenesis. This is a storm which develops rapidly when atmospheric pressure drops at least 24 millibars over a 24-hour period.
What this means for Victoria and Vancouver Island as a whole is that the storm which is currently just 400 kilometres off the coast of the island will bring mass amounts of rain, heavy winds and even some snow in higher altitude areas.
Come Tuesday afternoon, this still-strengthening storm will curl northwards, bringing southeasterly winds to the island. Winds are expected to peak on Tuesday evening, continue through Wednesday morning and ease up in the evening.
“East-to-west inland valleys can expect very strong winds as well,” said Environment Canada in a special weather statement.
“Some areas can also expect heavy rain at times during this event, but winds will remain the primary concern.”
Some regions being hit by this storm could receive over 300 mm of rain and may face an increasing risk of flash flooding and river overflow.
Wind gusts are projected to peak at 112 km/h.
Related:
- Weather Network warns of ‘Bomb Cyclone’ heading for Vancouver Island this week
- Weather statement warns of elevated ocean levels and coastal flooding in Greater Victoria
Environment Canada warns that people in all southern regions of Vancouver Island and Greater Victoria should be prepared for power outages.
Additionally, they are cautioning islanders to be wary of the strong winds that may down trees or cause tree limbs to break.
Those travelling via BC Ferries can expect delays and cancellations on all sailings to and from Vancouver Island from Tuesday afternoon through until Wednesday.
