Potent Back-to-Back Systems Threaten B.C. Coast’s Holiday Celebrations
B.C. coast faces heavy rain and strong winds, disrupting holiday plans
British Columbia, Vancouver Island, Metro Vancouver, Christmas, Rain, Wind
Victoria: This week, holiday celebrations in southern British Columbia are looking a bit grim. A couple of strong weather systems are rolling in, bringing heavy rain and fierce winds that could really mess with plans.
It’s been a rough season for B.C. already, with storms causing power outages and even landslides. Now, there’s another system on the way that could be a real doozy, possibly meeting ‘weather bomb’ criteria.
Starting Monday evening, the rain will kick in as this system approaches the South Coast. West Vancouver Island is set to get hit the hardest, with wind gusts reaching up to 90 km/h. So, if you’re planning to travel, keep an eye on those weather alerts.
On Christmas Day, expect more rain and snow. Another system will bring even heavier downpours, especially in the afternoon. West Vancouver Island could see rainfall rates of 20 mm/h, while Metro Vancouver isn’t getting off easy either, with rates around 10 mm/h.
Victoria might catch a break, as the mountains to the west will block some of the rain, putting the city in a ‘rain shadow.’ But overall, we’re looking at some serious rain totals, with the potential for localized flooding.
Winds will pick up again, gusting over 60 km/h, which could lead to more power outages and ferry delays. And if you’re heading inland, be aware that snow levels are dropping, which could impact travel on highways.
So, if you’re in B.C., make sure to stay updated on the weather and plan accordingly for your holiday travels!