It looks like it will be a blustery Remembrance Day for parts of B.C.’s South Coast, including east Vancouver Island from Nanoose Bay to Campbell River.
Environment Canada is warning that heavy rain and winds could cause power outages on Vancouver Island as an “intense” storm system is set to hit on Sunday night or early Monday.
The weather agency has issued wind warnings, saying high winds topping 90 km/h could cause damage on east Vancouver Island and on the Sunshine Coast, but the gusts are expected to dwindle by Monday morning.
Hourly forecasts for several Island communities, including Campbell River, predict wind gusts of up to 70 km/h and rain up to 3 a.m. Monday, with the wind dropping to 40 km/h gusts from 4 a.m. to 7 a.m. Winds should ease further after that.
Rainfall warnings are in effect for Howe Sound and parts of Metro Vancouver, with up to 70 mm of rain expected in North Vancouver and West Vancouver.
Special weather statements say Burnaby, Vancouver, Abbotsford and elsewhere will see strong winds and heavy rains up to 35 mm or more into Monday afternoon.
The weather agency warns heavy rain may cause reduced visibility and possible washouts near rivers, creeks and culverts.
Residents are advised to clear storm drains of leaves and debris. High winds may cause tree branches to break and lead to power outages.
Meanwhile, authorities urge people to stay away from fast-moving rivers, already swollen from the last rainstorm.
The B.C. River Forecast Centre issued high streamflow advisories on Friday for the South Coast, including the Sunshine Coast, Howe Sound, the North Shore Mountains, Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley.
The alert also covers the western part of Vancouver Island, including Bamfield, Ucluelet, Tofino, Tahsis, Zeballos and other coastal communities.
River forecasters say there will be two storms of concern, the first Sunday to Monday, and the second Tuesday to Wednesday.
“For the week as a whole, cumulative precipitation will likely be substantial,” the alert said.
A high streamflow advisory means that river levels are rising or expected to rise rapidly, but that no major flooding is expected.
— With files from The Canadian Press
