Environment Canada has issued a storm warning for exposed coastal areas of Vancouver Island starting today.
The weather forecast calls for 20-30 millimetrs or rain with risk of thunderstorms. Wind southeast 30 to 50 kilometres an hour increasing to 80 this morning then diminishing to 40 to 60 early this afternoon.
The alert was issued 4:59 a.m. PST, Thursday, Nov. 22, warning island residents that strong winds may cause damage.
“A Pacific low pressure system is approaching the coast this morning. Associated with the system, strong southeasterly winds of up to 90 kilometres an hour are expected to develop over the exposed coastal sections of the west Vancouver Island and north Vancouver Island early this morning. The winds will ease early this afternoon as the system weakens,” stated Environment Canada.
Damage to buildings, such as to roof shingles and windows, may occur. Loose objects may be tossed by the wind and cause injury or damage. In addition, for those traveling by water, a gale warning is in effect for both the west and east coasts of Vancouver Island.
Wind southeast 30 to 40 knots diminishing to southerly 10 to 20 early Thursday (Nov. 22) afternoon then veering to westerly 15 to 25 early this evening. Wind veering to northwest 25 to 30 Friday afternoon.
Please continue to monitor alerts and forecasts issued by Environment Canada. To report severe weather, send an email to BCstorm@canada.ca or tweet.