British Columbia is feeling the effects of our first significant windstorm of autumn as a potent low-pressure system sweeps into the coast.

Following back-to-back potent rain days earlier in the week, residents of the province can expect some fierce winds, with a deep area of low pressure moving through Thursday.

Although there will be a brief reprieve from the wet weather, power outages can be expected in areas with wind gusts over 70 km/h.

Winds have buffeted B.C.’s northern and central coasts through the day on Thursday. Blustery conditions spreading toward the province’s southern coast will peak through Thursday evening before dissipating into the overnight hours. Gusts up to 60 km/h are possible across the Lower Mainland and in Victoria.

There is an elevated risk of power outages across the province, particularly in coastal regions. There is also a risk of ferry cancellations and delays along smaller routes further north along the coast.

More rain will span the region through Friday, with an additional 50-75+ mm possible for areas walloped with 200+ mm earlier this week.

Drier conditions are expected throughout the weekend and into early next week.

Stay turned to The Weather Network for more forecast updates across British Columbia.