More rainfall, wind warnings issued Tuesday for Vancouver Island; gusts of up to 100 km/h expected
Environment Canada has issued new rainfall and wind warnings for parts of Vancouver Island Tuesday as another Pacific frontal system pushes through the region, bringing heavy rain followed by strong winds.
A rainfall warning is in effect for east Vancouver Island near Duncan, the Southern Gulf Islands, Greater Victoria and the Malahat Highway corridor between Goldstream and Mill Bay.
Forecasters say periods of rain began early Tuesday morning and are expected to become heavy at times by early afternoon, with total rainfall amounts between 40 and 60 millimetres before easing to scattered showers this evening.
Environment Canada warns water is likely to pool on roads and in low-lying areas, which could lead to localized flooding and travel delays. Drivers are being urged to allow extra time.
A separate wind warning has also been issued for West Vancouver Island, the Southern Gulf Islands, Greater Victoria and the Malahat corridor.
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Forecasters say a vigorous cold front will move across the Island this evening, bringing strong westerly winds gusting up to 100 kilometres an hour. The strongest winds are expected Tuesday night into early Wednesday morning before easing as the system moves inland.
A special weather statement was also added later in the day for inland Vancouver Island near the Cowichan Valley notifying the public of the strong gusts expected to develop late Tuesday evening.
“These strong winds may lead to possible tree damage, local power outages and travel delays. Winds will ease but remain gusty early Wednesday morning as the front tracks into the B.C. interior,” Environment Canada said.
The latest warnings come a day after widespread rainfall and high winds knocked out power to tens of thousands of customers across Vancouver Island and prompted flood watches from the BC River Forecast Centre that were still in effect Tuesday morning.
As of Tuesday morning, more than 2,000 BC Hydro customers were still without power from Monday’s storm on southern Vancouver Island, while nearly 500 remained without power on the North Island.
Officials continue to caution that saturated ground and ongoing active weather could increase the risk of flooding, downed trees and landslides.
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