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‘Powerful’ storm system expected to impact B.C.’s south and central coasts
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‘Powerful’ storm system expected to impact B.C.’s south and central coasts

A storm system is expected to impact southern and western British Columbia overnight Sunday, forecasters say, with weather reports and special warnings in place.

Environment Canada said a “powerful storm system” would begin to hit the south coast after midnight Monday, with peak rainfall intensities expected Monday morning.

According to the forecaster, between 40 and 70 millimeters of rain are expected to fall on the north coast of Metro Vancouver, and strong winds are expected until Monday afternoon.

A special weather statement was also issued for Vancouver Island, where Environment Canada says 70 to 100 millimeters of rain could fall on the mountains of western Vancouver Island.

A person protects himself from the rain using a leaflet
The storm system is expected to ease starting Monday afternoon for the south coast, according to Environment Canada. (Ben Nelms/CBC)

On the central coast and Haida Gwaii, wind gusts could reach 110 km/h until Monday morning, according to Environment Canada.

Wind warnings have been issued for Haida Gwaii, the central coast and exposed areas of northern Vancouver Island.

“Loose objects may be thrown by the wind and cause injury or damage. High winds may result in power outages and fallen tree branches,” the warning states.

A snowy stretch of highway.
The Coquihalla Highway (Highway 5) is pictured from the Zopkios rest area near the summit of Coquihalla on Sunday, November 3, 2024. Environment Canada is warning of blowing snow on mountain passes in southern Colombia on Monday -British. (DriveBC)

In the mountain passes of southern British Columbia, the forecaster issued special weather statements warning of blowing snow on stretches like the Coquihalla Highway (Highway 5) from Hope to Merritt and Highway 3 from Paulson Summit to Kootenay Pass .

“Strong southerly winds ahead of the front and snow upstream will arrive Monday,” the statement said.

“Snow accumulations on the highest peaks like Coquihalla and Kootenay Pass could exceed 20 cm on Monday,” it added.

Storm warnings come just over two weeks later an atmospheric river brought significant rain to the south coast, which resulted in the death of at least four people after mudslides and floods.