Amelia Vos, Environmental Technician, shared this weather report. Heads up to everyone working in the field, crossing harbour or driving on the Bamfield road. High wind and heavy rain are expected later today. Look out for your neighbours and prepare for severe weather and potential power outage. For any questions about the Huu-ay-aht emergency preparedness plan, please contact Amelia via email (amelia.v@huuayaht.org) or phone 250.728.3414 ext.119
Weather Event Impacts:
Potential for tree damage, power outages, and localized urban flooding.
Weather Event Estimated Start Time and Duration:
Wednesday evening into early Thursday morning.
Description:
After today’s run-of the-mill low pressure system, a deeper more intense storm system will approach the west side of Vancouver Island Wednesday afternoon. Strong winds and moderate precipitation is expected over the South Coast beginning late afternoon Wednesday into the early morning hours of Thursday.
- The strongest winds are expected along the west side of Vancouver Island.
- Southeast winds up to 80km/h are forecast for the west side of Vancouver Island including Tofino and Bamfield.
- A strong wind warning might be issued for the west side if the current forecast holds. Hurricane-force wind warnings will likely be issued for the West Coast Vancouver Island South marine forecast region.
- Total rainfall amounts of 50-80mm are expected along the west side of Vancouver Island, the North Shore Mountains and the Sea-to-Sky corridor.
- The freezing level will rise from 900m to 1500m with the approach of the storm so most of the precipitation will fall as rain for elevations below 1500m.
- Strong winds are also expected to spread into the Georgia Strait Wednesday night.
- Additional wind warnings and rainfall warnings may be issued as the make-up of the storm becomes more certain.
Confidence Level:
Moderate – Weather models have had particular difficulty with the intensity and path of recent storms. There is relatively good agreement among the various models for the strong winds and moderate rainfall amounts. As always, forecast certainty will increase with the approaching storm. Please monitor the latest forecasts and warnings as they will change.
Recommendations:
Prepare for potential power outages. Ensure culverts and storm drains are free of debris. Monitor forecasts and alerts for updates.
For updates and alerts:
Environment Canada Forecasts: www.weather.gc.ca/forecast/canada/index_e.html
Environment Canada Alerts: www.weather.gc.ca/warnings/index_e.html
Marine Forecasts & Warnings: http://weather.gc.ca/marine/region_e.html?mapID=03
BC River Forecast Centre Flood Warnings & Advisories: http://bcrfc.env.gov.bc.ca/warnings/index.htm
Environment Canada Weather Blog: www.avalanche.ca/weather<http://www.avalanche.ca/weather>
Source: Matt MacDonald
A/ Warning Preparedness Meteorologist
Prediction and Services Directorate – Operations West Meteorological Services of Canada Environment and Climate Change Canada (EC3)
401 Burrard St, Vancouver, BC V6C 3S5
(604) 664-9264