Hurricane Oho remnants bring high winds and waves, elating B.C. surfers
Up to 100 km/h winds expected to hit Haida Gwaii and blow toward B.C. coast
High wind and wave warnings along B.C.'s West Coast have Vancouver Island's surfers suiting up.
A series of three storms are predicted to hit this weekend, as Hurricane Oho winds down.
Parks Canada has issued a storm warning for Pacific Rim National Park Reserve on Vancouver Island's west coast, urging beach-goers to be cautious along the shoreline as waves could reach up to seven metres.
Early Saturday, Oct. 10, a gale warning was issued on Environment Canada's website, warning of high winds and waves that could pound the shores of Tofino and Ucluelet into Sunday.
That warning is being seen by some as an invitation.
Surf shop owner Brendan Muehlenberg said he waits all year for winter storms to bring big surf.
"It's kind of cool to see some storms again, because the last couple of winters have been pretty mild," he said.
Muehlenberg said the big waves usually do not arrive until November, December or even January, so the promise of wild weather has had some West Coast residents staying inside, while others prepare to paddle out.
High winds — reaching 70 to 100 kilometres an hour — are also predicted for east Vancouver Island, Haida Gwaii and North Coastal B.C., including the Sunshine Coast.
"Winds will ease later this morning, as the [cold] front moves south of the area," Environment Canada warned on its website. Wind could cause "damage to buildings, such as to roof shingles and windows," the warning said.