Parts of Vancouver Island are under wind and rainfall warnings on Friday due to a “very strong Pacific frontal system,” according to Environment Canada.
Courtenay to Campbell River, Duncan to Nanaimo, Nanoose Bay to Fanny Bay, North Vancouver Island and Southern Gulf Islands are all under wind advisories. In all cases the wind is forecast to begin Friday evening and last to Saturday morning, except the North Island where the wind is expected to start Friday morning.
Additionally, Nanoose Bay to Fanny Bay is under a rainfall warning.
For the wind warnings in all areas except the North Island, southeasterly winds of 70 km/h gusting to 90 are forecast. On the North Island the southeast winds are forecast up to 90 km/h.
The strongest winds are forecast over the Strait of Georgia.
“The strong winds will ease by Saturday morning then shift to moderate southwesterly in the wake of the front,” the notice from Environment Canada says. “Loose objects may be tossed by the wind and cause injury or damage. High winds may result in power outages and fallen tree branches.”
On the North Island, the weather agency is also warning of possible utility outages.
This is the second day of wind warnings for the North Island.
East Vancouver Island from Nanoose Bay to Fanny Bay’s rainfall warning, which also has a wind warning, up to 50 mm of rain is forecast overnight Friday into Saturday morning.
“Heavy downpours can cause flash floods and water pooling on roads. Localized flooding in low-lying areas is possible,” the notice says.
Due to the weather, BC Ferries has cancelled sailings on its busiest routes.
Laura Brougham
