A third storm system is expected to bring heavy rain and strong winds to British Columbia from Tuesday through Thursday after weekend weather knocked out power and prompted evacuations.
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British Columbia is expected to be hit by a third storm in a series Tuesday through Thursday, according to Environment Canada, after wet and windy conditions over the weekend led to power outages, an evacuation order and one death.
B.C. Hydro said in a statement that almost 415,000 customers lost power at some point since Friday, with about 6,000 still without power Monday morning.
Wind gusts reached as high as 116 kilometres an hour on Herbert Island off northern Vancouver Island. Victoria’s airport recorded gusts of 96 kilometres an hour, and Environment Canada data cited winds reaching 70 kilometres an hour in places including Prince George, Bella Bella, Tofino and Hope.
In Surrey, a driver died Saturday after two vehicles became trapped under a fallen tree.
Environment Canada has issued wind warnings and special weather statements for much of B.C., including forecasts of heavy rain across large parts of the province over the coming days.
On Haida Gwaii and North Vancouver Island, heavy winds are expected into Monday afternoon, with gusts up to 110 kilometres an hour. A second low-pressure system is also expected to follow, with winds likely to reach warning criteria again.
A special weather statement covering most of B.C.’s coast and Vancouver Island says a strong and potent series of storms will approach from Tuesday through Thursday. The statement forecasts heavy rain, particularly in upslope terrain and higher elevations.
Environment Canada said the rain event follows several low-pressure systems that have already drenched the region and that those conditions triggered an evacuation order for about 30 properties in the village of Zeballos on the northwest coast of Vancouver Island.
While Environment Canada noted uncertainty about the exact amount of rain and which regions will be affected most, it said some areas are expected to see gusty southerly winds. It also warned that high precipitation could contribute to water pooling in areas with poor drainage, worsening localized flooding concerns, especially in communities already hit by significant rain.
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