B.C.’s Christmas cheer could be dampened by another powerful storm hitting the south coast on Wednesday. Heavy rain, snow, and strong winds are expected, potentially disrupting holiday plans.
Holiday celebrations this week have been severely impacted as multiple back-to-back systems make their rounds to the coast.
This week’s weather has been on theme for the season, as B.C.’s coast has been battered by multiple significant storms that have caused widespread power outages and deadly landslides.
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The first storm sweeped into the province on Tuesday, with powerful winds, soaking rains and heavy alpine snow. Another system is on its way, just in time for Christmas. With potent wind gusts expected, folks should ensure devices are charged and brace for power outages.
Be sure to check local weather alerts and highway conditions before heading out on or before Christmas Day to visit loved ones as travel is likely to be affected considerably.
Christmas Day is set to be a wet one, with heavy rain expected to arrive on the South Coast.
Another system will have even heavier rain pick up on Wednesday morning, reaching its peak by the afternoon.
West Vancouver Island is bracing for a torrential downpour, with peak rainfall rates exceeding 20 mm/h. Metro Vancouver won’t be missing out either with peak rates of 10 mm/h.
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While Victoria might see some relief due to a rain shadow effect, widespread heavy rain is expected across the region.
Forecasters warn of 100-200+ mm of rain for west Vancouver Island and 50-75+ mm for the Lower Mainland, increasing the risk of localized flooding. Strong winds gusting to 60-90 km/h across the straits, and up to 90-100 km/h on west Vancouver Island, will further complicate the situation, threatening power outages, ferry disruptions, and dangerous waves.
Farther inland, freezing levels are forecast to drop to 700 metres, allowing for flurries to possibly fall at lower elevations. The snow will also impact travel along the highway passes, especially the Coquihalla Highway and Allison Pass.
Rainy and breezy strait conditions will continue through Thursday. The Greater Victoria area will need to brace for a windy Boxing Day, with some models predicting gusts up to 100 km/h.
Stay with The Weather Network for more forecast information and updates on your weather in B.C.
