Storms with high winds forecast to hit B.C. coast this week

The first of a series of storms is expected to bring strong winds to B.C.'s coast in the evening, Environment Canada said in a warning issued Monday.

A low pressure centre off the coast is forecast to bring strong winds to the area starting Monday afternoon and reaching dangerous levels in the evening, Environment Canada said. 

Environment Canada expects storms to slam the coast with high winds and heavy rainfall this week.

Winds will intensify Monday evening, reaching 90 km/h and gusting up to 120 km/h on western and northern Vancouver Island and B.C.'s Central Coast, and 70 km/h gusting to 100 km/h in Victoria, on the Gulf Islands, and along the Sunshine Coast, Environment Canada said.

"We're looking at a fairly significant storm building offshore," said Dave Wray, an Environment Canada meteorologist.

"For people who live in the Lower Mainland, it's gonna look like a fairly nice day, might even get a few peeks of sun. For folks who are living on the island and the Central Coast, we're looking at conditions getting windier as the system approaches."

High winds may toss loose objects and tree branches, causing power outages, injury, or damage, he said. And winds will likely be stronger on ski hills, and at higher elevations. 

"Be on the watch out," Wray said, adding hiking and being in the forest may become risky. "If people can, stay at home by the fire, relax, and enjoy the holiday."

Environment Canada issued a special weather statement for Vancouver Island and the south and central coast Monday, warning a "powerful frontal system" is expected to bring strong winds and heavy rain on Wednesday, and a weaker system will bring wind on Thursday. 

The stormy weather is expected to ease up late Friday into the weekend, Wray said.