Blustery Pacific low to raise power outage, travel risks in B.C.

Vancouver: This December has been surprisingly dry for southern B.C. Usually, we’re drenched with rain, but so far, Vancouver and Victoria have only seen a fraction of their typical rainfall.

Vancouver usually gets about 172 mm of rain in December, while Victoria sees around 137 mm. But this month, they’ve only had about 20 mm and 22.3 mm, respectively. It’s a bit odd, right?

But don’t get too comfortable! A low-pressure system is rolling in from the Pacific, and it’s bringing back the rain this weekend.

As the system approaches, we can expect winds to pick up overnight Friday, with gusts hitting 60-90+ km/h. This could lead to ferry delays and some localized power outages.

When the low hits on Saturday, the rain and winds will really ramp up, especially in the straits. Environment and Climate Change Canada has already issued wind warnings, with gusts possibly reaching 100 km/h.

They’re warning that this could cause damage to buildings, like roof shingles and windows. Plus, if you’re driving a high-profile vehicle, be prepared for some tricky conditions on the highways.

Coastal flooding warnings are also in effect for parts of Vancouver Island, where wave heights could reach 5-7 meters. Low-lying areas might see a storm surge of 50-80 centimeters, so it’s best to stay alert.

On top of all that, the alpine regions are expecting heavy snow, with freezing levels dropping to 600-800 meters. We could see 50-100 cm of snow in the north shore mountains, which could make driving through the passes a bit dicey.

By Sunday, the low should be out of the area, and we’ll return to a dry pattern. But don’t get too cozy again—temperatures in northern B.C. could plummet to the -30s!

Keep an eye on The Weather Network for the latest updates and forecasts for your area.