Weather Warning for West Vancouver Island

Posted on by Bjohnson

Special weather statement in effect.

A series of powerful October storms will approach the B.C. South Coast late Wednesday night, bringing heavy rains and strong winds through the weekend.

Rainfall will be heavy at times. Total rainfall accumulations from these storms may exceed 200 mm for West and Inland areas of Vancouver Island, while Inner Coastal Regions may exceed 100 mm.

Strong winds will also accompany these storms. Winds over exposed coastal areas may exceed 80 km/h at times during these storms.

As these storms advance toward the South Coast and progress through the region, weather warnings will be issued and updated as needed.

Please continue to monitor alerts and forecasts issued by Environment Canada. To report severe weather, send an email to pacificstorm@ec.gc.ca or tweet reports to #BCStorm.

weather-warning-map

High wind and heavy rain warning for Wednesday evening and Thursday morning

Posted on by heathersthomson

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

matt.macdonald@canada.ca

Windy weekend – Please prepare for potential power outages!

Posted on by heathersthomson

A series of storms will travel along the BC Coast this weekend. Given the forecast storm trajectories, Environment Canada is anticipated warning level winds from the South Coast up to Haida Gwaii and the North Coast. With a deep low pressure system brewing in the Gulf of Alaska and a strong ridge of high pressure building over Alberta, the resulting pressure gradient will produce strong to extreme outflow winds through the mainland valleys and inlets of the Central and North Coasts.

Moderate rain will also accompany the passage of the storms but is currently expected to remain below warning criteria. Snow levels will hover between 1000 and 1500m along the coast so we are not expecting these storms to produce any snow near sea level. There is however a risk of freezing rain through the North Coast inlets as incoming moisture clashes with cold outflow conditions. A calmer and drier weather pattern is expected beginning Tuesday.

If you have any questions about our preparedness plans for Anacla, please contact Amelia Vos (amelia.v@huuayaht.org) at 1.888.644.4555 / 250.728.3414

Weather Event Impacts:

Potential for tree damage, power outages and disruptions to marine travel.

Weather Event Estimated Start Time and Duration:

Saturday through Monday.

Alert

Confidence Level:

Moderate! There is relatively good agreement between the  various weather models for the general pattern through the weekend. As always, the exact timing and details of each of these storms remains a challenge. Forecast certainty will increase with the approaching storms so please monitor the latest forecasts and warnings as they will most likely change.

Recommendations:

Prepare for potential power outages. The marine community is encouraged to consider alternate plans over the weekend. Monitor forecasts and alerts for updates.

Wind Warning Criteria:

  • North Vancouver Island, Central Coast, North Coast, Haida Gwaii: 90km/h or more for Sustained Winds AND/OR Gusts to 110km/h or more
  • West Vancouver Island: 80km/h or more for Sustained Winds AND/OR Gusts to 100km/h or more
  • Remainder of BC: 70km/h or more for Sustained Winds AND/OR Gusts to 90km/h or more

For updates and alerts:

Environment Canada Forecasts:                http://www.weather.gc.ca/forecast/canada/index_e.html?id=BC

Environment Canada Alerts:                       http://www.weather.gc.ca/warnings/index_e.html?prov=bc

Environment Canada Weather Blog:        http://www.avalanche.ca/weather

 

 

Source: Matt MacDonald

Acting Warning Preparedness Meteorologist

Prediction and Services Directorate  – Operations West

Meteorological Services of Canada

Environment and Climate Change Canada

401 Burrard St, Vancouver, BC  V6C 3S5

(604) 664-9264

matt.macdonald@ec.gc.ca