Heavy Rain, Snow & Power Outages May Disrupt Christmas in B.C.
British Columbians face potential holiday disruptions due to heavy rain, snow, and power outages from incoming storms this Christmas season
British Columbia, Christmas, Power Outages, Heavy Rain, Snow
Victoria: It looks like Christmas in British Columbia might not be as peaceful as folks hoped. A powerful storm is rolling in, and it’s set to hit the south coast on Wednesday.
This week, southern B.C. is bracing for some serious weather. Multiple storms are on their way, bringing heavy rain, snow in the mountains, and strong winds. It’s not the kind of weather you want for holiday celebrations.
Unfortunately, this isn’t new for B.C. The coast has already faced a bunch of storms this season, leading to power outages and even landslides. It’s been a rough ride.
The first storm is expected to arrive on Tuesday, bringing with it strong winds and heavy rain. Some areas might even see snow in the mountains. If you’re in the region, make sure your devices are charged and be ready for possible power outages.
Before you head out to visit family or friends for Christmas, check the local weather alerts and road conditions. Travel could be tricky with all this weather coming in.
On Tuesday, the storm will still be hanging around. The heaviest rain will hit west Vancouver Island, with wind gusts reaching up to 90 km/h. That’s pretty strong and could lead to more power outages.
Environment and Climate Change Canada has issued wind warnings, saying gusts could even hit 120 km/h in some areas. So, it’s best to stay alert.
As the storm moves inland, the winds and rain will ease a bit, but showers will stick around. Moist air from the Pacific will keep things wet.
Then, just in time for Christmas, another system is set to bring even more rain and snow. The heaviest rain is expected on Wednesday morning, peaking in the afternoon.
West Vancouver Island will take the brunt of it again, with rainfall rates hitting 20 mm/h. Metro Vancouver won’t escape either, with rates around 10 mm/h.
Victoria might catch a break, as the mountains to the west will block some of the rain, creating a rain-shadow effect.
When it’s all said and done, west Vancouver Island could see over 200 mm of rain, while the Lower Mainland might get 50-75 mm. This could lead to localized flooding, so keep an eye out.
Winds will pick up again, gusting to 90 km/h, which could cause more power outages and affect ferry services. High waves are also a concern.
Inland, freezing levels are dropping, which means we might see some snow at lower elevations. This could make travel along highways, especially the Coquihalla, a bit tricky.
Rainy and breezy conditions will continue into Thursday, but thankfully, this next system should be weaker.
Stay tuned to The Weather Network for the latest updates on the weather in B.C. and how it might affect your holiday plans.