BC weather forecast calling for 'very strong wind gusts' and warns of power outages
Multiple wind warnings are in effect for parts of B.C., including the central coast, and winds could gust up to over 90 km/h.
British Columbians have been warned of possible outages, and there are hundreds without power already.
The Environment Canada weather alert said that "strong winds that may cause damage are expected or occurring," and peak winds are expected to be over 90 km/h in some areas. The strong gusts are expected early on Friday morning in the Central Coast and throughout the day in northern BC.
"An intense low pressure system will cross northern BC today. Moderate to strong southeast winds ahead of this system are expected to continue early this morning. As the storm moves inland today, a period of very strong westerly winds will develop in its wake," the alert said.
Weather warnings are in place for Lakes District, Chilcotin, Stuart-Nechako, Prince George, McGregor, Williston, and the B.C. South Peace River, as well as the Central Coast.
"High winds may result in power outages and fallen tree branches," Environment Canada said in the alert.
High winds have already impacted parts of B.C., with power outages in the Okanagan and Kootenay area, as well as northern Vancouver Island. The BC Hydro website says that "restoration efforts continue in the Nakusp area following Wednesday night's windstorm."
In an update just past midnight on Friday, BC Hydro said that "a windstorm has caused damage to our system on northern Vancouver Island. Crews will continue to work through the night on repairs to restore power to impacted customers."
"Due to access challenges, we expect to have customers on Denman Island, Cortes Island, and Hornby Island without power overnight," the added.
According to the BC Hydro outage map, there are outages across B.C., with the highest amount of customers affected in northern Vancouver Island.
This article's cover image was used for illustrative purposes only.
Hydro One Map.