November has been full of weather ups and downs, but now a “bomb cyclone” is forecast to hit BC, which could create some damaging conditions in the province.
Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) predicts winds could reach 110 km/h on Vancouver Island and coastal areas.
This isn’t the first time BC has been hit with a bomb cyclone, and when one hit the province back in 2021, it had a huge effect.
But what’s a bomb cyclone, and how long will this one last?
The bomb cyclone is a low-pressure system or area. ECCC says this low-pressure system is “rapidly deepening” and will arrive around 400 km west of Vancouver Island by late Tuesday afternoon.
“The term bombogenesis comes from the merging of two words: bomb and cyclogenesis. All storms are cyclones, and genesis means creation or beginning. In this case, bomb refers to explosive development, and altogether, the term means explosive storm strengthening,” says Accuweather.
A #BombCyclone will impact the BC coast Tue & Wed. The system will remain offshore but winds gusting to 90 km/h are expected Tuesday night for much of the coast and Vancouver Island, locally upwards of 110 km/h. Watch for power disruptions. #bcstormhttps://t.co/KFFxmSD7CW pic.twitter.com/e3wd4Y4LR5
— ECCC Weather British Columbia (@ECCCWeatherBC) November 19, 2024
ECCC also says, “This low is forecast to then curl northwards on Wednesday towards the Central Coast, remaining offshore through the period.” ECCC calls it a “significant fall storm” expected to last till Wednesday morning, with peak wind speeds hitting Tuesday night. Impacted areas include the Lower Mainland, Whistler, inland sections of the north and central coast and Haida Gwaii.
“Coastal areas will see southeasterly winds increase through the afternoon today, with peak wind speeds expected for most areas on tonight. Strong winds are likely to continue on Wednesday morning but should ease later in the day.”
Along with the wind, some areas will also experience heavy rains “at times during this event.” Still, ECCC calls strong winds the “primary concern.”
Possible impacts include downed trees, power outages and travel delays. ECCC is also advising folks to secure loose items outdoors.
The seven-day forecast also includes a chance of wet flurries on Tuesday.
ECCC
We’ve reached out to ECCC for more information.