British Columbia is bracing for significant weather changes as strong winds and snowfall warnings are issued for various regions. A cold front is expected to bring high winds to parts of the province starting Monday afternoon.
Weather Warnings Issued for B.C. Coast
Environment Canada has issued a special weather statement for Metro Vancouver, southeastern Vancouver Island, and the southern Gulf Islands. Winds are forecasted to peak between 9 p.m. and midnight, with gusts reaching up to 70 km/h. Areas near water, such as Richmond and Delta, are likely to experience the strongest winds.
Ross Macdonald, a meteorologist with Environment Canada, warned that weakened tree branches could fall, and loose objects may become airborne. Residents should prepare for potential power outages and travel disruptions.
Impact on Transportation and Power Services
B.C. Ferries announced the cancellation of two evening sailings between Swartz Bay and Tsawwassen due to the impending strong winds. Spokesperson Ceilidh Marlow emphasized that passenger safety is the company’s top priority, stating the need to assess conditions closely before making sailing decisions.
Furthermore, two sailings scheduled for Tuesday morning are also at risk of cancellation if conditions do not improve. B.C. Hydro is monitoring the weather and is ready to respond to localized outages. Spokesperson Mora Scott encouraged residents to prepare emergency kits with essentials, including food, water, and flashlights.
- Have an emergency kit ready.
- Stay at least 10 metres back from downed power lines.
- Report downed lines by calling 911.
Snowfall Warnings for North and South Peace Regions
In addition to wind warnings, snowfall alerts have been issued for the North and South Peace regions. Environment Canada predicts accumulations of 10 to 20 centimetres from Monday night into Tuesday morning.
The weather pattern follows a record-breaking warm spell last Sunday. Four communities reported daily high temperatures, including:
| Community | Temperature (°C) | Previous Record (°C) |
|---|---|---|
| City of Trail | 23 | 21.7 (1966) |
| Squamish | 24 | — |
| Bella Bella | 15.9 | — |
| Creston | 20 | — |
Cooler temperatures are expected on Tuesday, marking a notable shift in the weather pattern across British Columbia.
