We might not have snow on Christmas Day, but the weather Gods are instead summoning up a powerful wind and rainstorm that is barrelling toward BC.
Some areas are already being walloped, and a wind warning is in place for the Central Coast. More strong winds with severe and damaging gusts are expected.
Environment and Climate Change Canada says southeast winds up to 120 km/h gusting to 150 are possible this morning along exposed coastal sections of North Vancouver Island and Central Coast—Coastal Sections.
“A low pressure centre off the coast of BC is giving strong winds to the region. Extreme southeast winds reaching 120 km/h with gusts to 150 will continue this morning over the Central Coast, then reduce to strong southwest winds late morning. Very strong southeast 90 km/h gusting to 120 over the exposed coastal sections of North Vancouver Island then gradually diminish this morning. The system will move out of the area late this morning. High winds may cause downed trees or toss loose objects. Utility outages may occur.”
The special weather advisory for a flurry of areas, including Metro Vancouver, stated that a low-pressure centre that gave strong winds to the BC south coast last night had moved northward to the central coast this morning.
Strong winds are set to continue for portions of West Vancouver Island and the Central Coast today. On Christmas Day, a powerful frontal system is forecast to arrive on the South Coast and Vancouver Island early in the morning. Very strong winds and heavy rain are expected.
If you are hoping to head out on the town to try and score some Boxing Day deals, ECCC added that a low-pressure system will approach southern Vancouver Island early on Thursday. However, the track of the low is uncertain.
“The current guidance is suggesting the track through Juan de Fuca Strait. As a result of this more southern track, the strongest winds and heavy precipitation will likely be confined to the BC south coast. Weather warnings will be issued if necessary as confidence in the storm tracks and impacts grows,” the federal weather agency added.
For the remainder of the week, expect typical Vancouver weather, with rain forecasted daily.