British Columbians in the province’s southern coast should brace themselves for heavy rain and strong winds in the coming days, Environment Canada warns.
The agency issued weather alerts on Dec. 9 for Metro Vancouver, the Fraser Valley, Howe Sound, Whistler, Greater Victoria, and the Southern Gulf Islands, warning of storms that will hit on Dec. 10 and Dec. 11.
Heavy rainfall of between 40 and 60 millimetres is expected in Metro Vancouver, Fraser Valley, Howe Sound, and Whistler, accompanied by snowfall of 15 to 25 centimetres, including in surrounding highway routes.
“A moist Pacific frontal system will arrive over the BC south coast Friday morning,” Environment Canada said in its special weather statement.
“Freezing levels will range between 500 and 1000 metres with this system. Whistler and the high elevation mountain passes, particularly Highways 3, 5, and the Sea to Sky, can expect heavy snow.”
The national weather agency said the heavy precipitation and strong winds will start to ease the morning of Dec. 11; however, periods of heavy snow will persist over Coquihalla Summit and Allison Pass throughout the day.
Environment Canada also forecasts strong winds of up to 60 km/h, gusting to 80 for these regions. The wind speed could reach 70 km/h, gusting to 90 in Greater Victoria and the southern Gulf Islands, including areas near the Strait of Georgia and Haro Strait.
“Strong southeast winds will accompany the front. The strongest winds are expected for areas along the Strait of Georgia overnight Friday into early Saturday morning.”
