'Potent' Storm System to Bring Strong Winds, Heavy Rain to B.C.'s South and Central Coasts

A powerful storm system is expected to impact southern and central British Columbia overnight Sunday, with Environment Canada issuing weather statements and warnings across the region. The storm will hit the South Coast after midnight, with rainfall intensities peaking Monday morning.

Forecasters predict 40 to 70 millimetres of rain on Metro Vancouver’s North Shore, while parts of Vancouver Island’s mountains could see 70 to 100 millimetres. Strong winds, expected to gust up to 80 km/h in Victoria, have raised concerns for the Greater Victoria area, the Central Coast, Haida Gwaii, and exposed sections of northern Vancouver Island, with gusts potentially reaching 110 km/h.

Environment Canada warns that high winds could cause power outages and fallen branches, urging residents to secure loose objects to avoid potential damage.

In southern B.C.’s mountain passes, including the Coquihalla Highway and Highway 3, blowing snow and low visibility could make travel treacherous. Snowfall on high summits like the Coquihalla and Kootenay Pass may exceed 20 cm, along with strong south winds.

While rainfall totals are not expected to match the recent atmospheric river event that caused deadly flooding and mudslides, meteorologist Johnson Zhong notes that localized flooding and mudslides remain possible, with strong winds posing the primary threat. "This is more of a wind event storm," he said, cautioning that power outages and fallen branches may occur.