Powerful Storm Brings Warnings of Heavy Rain, High Winds, and Power Outages to Vancouver Island
A potent storm system is approaching Vancouver Island, bringing warnings of heavy rain, high winds, and potential power outages across British Columbia’s south coast. Environment Canada has issued weather alerts for various regions on the Island, including Greater Victoria and the Southern Gulf Islands. Starting Sunday night, intense rain and powerful winds will begin affecting the area, lasting into Monday, with peak rainfall predicted after midnight. The mountainous west side of Vancouver Island is expected to receive up to 100 millimeters of rain, while other parts of the island may experience slightly less, but still significant, rainfall.
These intense weather conditions are already impacting regional services. B.C. Ferries has preemptively canceled sailings along several routes, including the Campbell River-Quadra Island route, with additional cancellations likely if winds intensify further. Winds are forecast to shift from strong southeast gusts Sunday night to even stronger west-northwest gusts by Monday morning, potentially reaching speeds up to 110 km/h in exposed coastal areas. These forceful gusts are expected to impact transportation, possibly downing trees and power lines in multiple locations.
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As of early Monday morning, over a thousand B.C. Hydro customers on northern Vancouver Island are already experiencing power outages. The largest outages are in the Courtenay and Campbell River areas, where the winds have caused branches and debris to impact power lines. Residents are advised to keep updated on B.C. Hydro’s website for real-time information on outages and restoration efforts, and to ensure they have emergency supplies ready in case of prolonged outages.
The threat of flooding is also present, especially in low-lying and vulnerable areas, where streams and rivers could rise quickly. While Environment Canada does not expect major flooding, minor flooding remains a concern in areas with poor drainage or where debris clogs storm drains. Residents are encouraged to clear nearby drains of leaves and debris to help prevent localized flooding.
In addition to the rain and wind warnings, winter conditions have been reported at higher elevations, such as on Mount Washington Road. Drivers should be cautious, as several highways on Vancouver Island have experienced water pooling and challenging visibility. The B.C. River Forecast Centre has also issued high-stream advisories, with rivers and creeks expected to rise rapidly. For those needing to travel, it’s advisable to monitor road conditions and heed any advisories, as conditions could change swiftly with ongoing rain and wind.
As the storm intensifies, staying informed and prepared is crucial. Environment Canada’s warnings remind Vancouver Island residents to stay vigilant and prioritize safety.
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