High winds are expected to hit Metro Vancouver and southern Vancouver Island Monday afternoon as the first in a parade of powerful Christmas storms arrives.
Winds will pick up Monday afternoon and intensify into the evening, according to Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC).
“A low pressure centre off the coast of BC will bring strong winds beginning this afternoon,” it said. “Wind warnings have been issued for regions where severe impacts may occur.”
Victoria and the Southern Gulf Islands are currently under a wind warning. Gusts of up to 90 kilometres per hour are expected. That warning may expand as the storm gets closer.
ECCC advises coastal regions, especially on western Vancouver Island, to brace for flooding because of a storm surge.
This first storm should move out of coastal BC by Tuesday morning.
Most powerful of three storms set to arrive Christmas Day
The most powerful in the series of three storms is forecast to make landfall on Christmas Day. ECCC characterizes it as a “powerful frontal system.”
“Very strong winds and heavy rain are expected to last until late in the evening,” ECCC said.
A third, weaker storm is set to arrive on Boxing Day, bringing another bout of wind.