Environment Canada has issued rain and wind warnings for the Lower Mainland as a storm moves into the region on Christmas Day, Dec. 25.
Meteorologist Chris Doyle told V.I.A. in a previous interview that the storm on Christmas could produce significant power outages from strong winds and heavy rainfall.
The storm is expected to start impacting the region Christmas morning, with winds increasing southeast in the morning and picking up around noon. Widespread winds are expected to impact the South Coast for a "long duration" along with heavy rainfall.
Strong winds may also cause tree branches to break, toss loose objects, and damage holiday decorations.
Doyle advises locals to start cooking turkeys early in the day to avoid disruptions due to power outages.
Powerful winds of 70 gusting to 90 km/h, and 80 gusting to 100 km/h are possible for Greater Victoria, Southern Gulf Islands, and Courtenay to Campbell River. Travel plans on Christmas could be impacted due to ferry cancellations and power outages.
Metro Vancouver weather forecast includes a rainfall warning
Rainfall amounts of 50 to 80 mm are expected for most of Metro Vancouver. For the North Shore, northern Coquitlam, and Maple Ridge, 100 mm or more is possible.
Places at higher terrain over 300 metres, "a brief period of wet snow may give slippery conditions," according to Environment Canada.
The weather department advises that "heavy downpours can cause flash floods and water pooling on roads" and "localized flooding in low-lying areas."
Strong winds are expected to ease on Christmas night but more rainfall is expected on Boxing Day as a second low-pressure system impacts the south B.C. coast.
Doyle says a final storm should start impacting the Lower Mainland late Thursday and Friday morning. This weaker low-pressure system should spread strong winds overnight across Vancouver Island and the south coast. However, it isn't expected to be as strong as the storm on Christmas Day.
After this final storm, some significantly cooler weather is headed to the Lower Mainland.
Stay up-to-date with hyperlocal forecasts across 50 neighbourhoods in the Lower Mainland with V.I.A.'s Weatherhood.
