Wind storm set to batter Metro Vancouver with gusts up to 90 km/h
A strong wind storm is set to blow into Metro Vancouver to start the most festive week of the year, with lots of rain to follow.
Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) has issued a wind warning for parts of Metro Vancouver, with a frontal system bringing gusts up to 90 km/h.
It comes less than a week after a storm knocked out power to over 100,000 customers across B.C., and just 12 days after flood waters caused evacuations in parts of the Fraser Valley.
According to ECCC Meteorologist Derek Lee, the highest winds will peak later this afternoon.
Robert Hoetink/Shutterstock
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“Today’s southeasterly winds will be strongest by the way, so in Richmond, Delta, into Surrey, and then Boundary Bay in White Rock,” explained Lee. “The highest winds will peak in the late afternoon and should drop off by evening.”
ECCC added that local utility outages are possible, as well as damage to roofs, fences, branches, and soft shelters.
“Last week’s winds were southwest, which is atypical and harder to gauge how strong they can be,” added Lee. “Today’s winds are more southeast, and more typical. But anytime that winds are strong, surpassing 90, damage can happen.”
ECCC
The rest of the forecast isn’t looking much better, with rain and showers dominating the week ahead.
Daytime highs for Metro Vancouver will range between 5°C and 8°C, with overnight lows dipping to 0°C on Christmas night and up to 5°C on Monday and Saturday.
City of Vancouver/X
The City of Vancouver has also issued a reminder to residents that “storm season is upon us.”
“High tides and severe storms can lead to coastal flooding. In Vancouver, this normally occurs between October and February,” said the City on social media.
It also encouraged residents to get prepared by visiting its online Hazard & Risk Explorer.
“Over the past few years, coastal flooding has caused significant damage to treasured Vancouver infrastructure like the seawall, beaches, docks, pools, and piers,” the City added.