Just when it looked like winter weather might finally be behind us, Mother Nature appears to have other plans.
Environment Canada has issued a wind warning for Greater Victoria, the Gulf Islands and the Malahat, along with a special weather statement warning of possible low-elevation snowfall across parts of Vancouver Island.
According to the federal weather agency, a sharp cold front moving across Vancouver Island will bring strong westerly winds beginning Wednesday evening.
Wind gusts up to 90 km/h are expected in Greater Victoria, the southern Gulf Islands, and along the Malahat corridor, with the strongest winds anticipated Wednesday evening before gradually easing into Thursday.
Environment Canada says the winds could be strong enough to cause minor damage and localized power outages.
“Very strong wind gusts are expected as a sharp cold front crosses southern Vancouver Island,” the agency said in its warning.
At the same time, another storm system making landfall Wednesday is expected to bring a mix of rain and wet snow, particularly in higher elevations and inland areas.
Environment Canada says most low-lying areas may only see a trace amount of snow, but up to 5 cm is possible in higher terrain, while high-elevation roads inland could receive between 5 and 10 cm before precipitation turns to rain later in the day.
There is also a slight chance that brief heavier bursts of precipitation could temporarily bring wet snow down to sea level, though significant accumulation in areas such as Victoria are not expected.
Drivers are being warned that the combination of wet snow and low freezing levels could make travel difficult, particularly during the morning commute or on elevated routes.
Conditions may be especially challenging on higher elevation roadways and inland routes across Vancouver Island, including mountain passes.
Weather alerts and forecasts can be monitored through Environment Canada, while current road conditions are available through DriveBC.
