Environment Canada has issued a wind warning for much of the Lower Mainland as a rapidly deepening low-pressure system is set to slam into a cold front sweeping across the south coast.
“As the front races across the area, widespread and powerful gusty southerly winds will occur. Gusts in excess of 90 km/h are possible,” wrote the weather agency in its warning.
Environment Canada warns that high winds may snap branches from trees and send other loose objects hurtling through the air.
The winds are expected to ease as the cold front passes across the region today but gusts are expected throughout the afternoon.
The system arrives at the same time as unusually high tides, raising the potential for flooding and prompting cities such as Courtenay and Delta to issue storm surge advisories or install portable flood barriers along low-lying areas.
Expected winds caused BC Ferries to cancel many morning sailings between Vancouver Island and the Mainland, but forecasters say winds should ease by afternoon — although they will remain gusty.
Slightly less snow is expected over north-central B.C. but as much as 30 centimetres is forecast for inland sections of the north coast, including Kitimat and Terrace, while winds up to 70 km/h will make conditions miserable until the storm ends late in the evening.
— With files from the Canadian Press
